siccative

[ sik-uh-tiv ]

adjective

1. causing or promoting absorption of moisture; drying.

noun

1. a siccative substance, especially in paint.

siccative

/ ˈsɪkətɪv /

noun

1. a substance added to a liquid to promote drying: used in paints and some medicines

Other Words From

• anti·sicca·tive adjective
• non·sicca·tive adjective noun
• un·sicca·tive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of siccative¹

1540–50; < Late Latin siccātīvus, equivalent to Latin siccāt ( us ) (past participle of siccāre to dry up; sack ³, -ate ¹ ) + -īvus -ive

Word History and Origins

Origin of siccative¹

C16: from Late Latin siccātīvus, from Latin siccāre to dry up, from siccus dry

Example Sentences

If you put a little siccative de Harlem in it, or use any picture varnish thinned with turpentine, it will serve well enough.

From Project Gutenberg

In his researches, he discovered the use of linseed and nut oil, which he found most siccative.

From Project Gutenberg

Sulphate of zinc, as a siccative, is less powerful than acetate of lead, but is far preferable in a chemical sense.

From Project Gutenberg

These agents might, with advantage, be more generally used in the place of litharge for rendering oils siccative.

From Project Gutenberg

Oils made siccative by means of litharge are therefore liable to be damaged by foul gas.

From Project Gutenberg