Concassation

/kɑːnkæsˈeɪʃən/ noun

Definition

The process of breaking into small pieces or shattering; crushing or fragmenting something violently.

Etymology

From Latin con- (together) + cassare (to break, destroy), with -ation; an archaic pharmacological and culinary term for grinding or crushing ingredients.

Kelly Says

Alchemists and apothecaries used concassation to describe the crucial step of grinding herbs and minerals into powder—the violence of breaking things down was thought to unlock their hidden powers.

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