Deliquescent

/ˌdɛl.ɪˈkwɛs.ənt/ adjective

Definition

Having the quality of gradually melting or dissolving by absorbing moisture from the air.

Etymology

From 'deliquesce' plus the suffix '-ent,' which creates an adjective meaning 'having the quality of' or 'tending to.' This follows the Latin adjective pattern seen in 'luminescent' or 'opalescent.'

Kelly Says

Chemists love describing salts as 'deliquescent'—it's a precise way of saying 'this substance will literally turn into liquid if you don't keep it dry,' which explains why some containers say 'keep in a cool, dry place.'

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