Decaffeinating

/ˌdiːkæfɪneɪtɪŋ/ verb

Definition

The process of removing caffeine from coffee, tea, or other beverages to reduce their stimulant effects.

Etymology

From de- (prefix meaning 'remove') + caffeine (the stimulating compound found in coffee beans, from French 'café'). The verb form emerged in the early 20th century as decaffeinated coffee became commercially available.

Kelly Says

Decaffeinating is a great example of how chemistry changed everyday life—in the 1900s, scientists developed methods to extract caffeine while keeping the coffee's flavor, creating a product for people who love coffee but want to sleep at night!

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