To wrinkle and become smaller, usually because something is drying out or losing moisture.
From Middle English 'shrivelen,' possibly from Old Norse 'skrufa' meaning 'to turn or curl.' The word originally described shriveling skin in medieval English texts.
When plants shrivel, they're actually closing tiny pores called stomata to save water—it's a survival mechanism, and plants shriveling can actually help them survive droughts by conserving every drop!
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