Desiccates

/ˈdɛsɪkeɪts/ verb

Definition

Removes moisture from something; dries out thoroughly or excessively.

Etymology

Third person singular present tense of 'desiccate,' from Latin desiccatus (dried). The verb form emphasizes the action of removing water or moisture.

Kelly Says

When archaeologists talk about how desiccation preserved mummies or ancient documents, they're describing one of nature's greatest accidental preservation technologies—it turns out life needs water way more than it needs decay.

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