decaffeinate

[ dee-kaf-uh-neyt, -kaf-ee-uh- ]

verb (used with object)

, de·caf·fein·at·ed, de·caf·fein·at·ing.

1. to extract caffeine from:

   to decaffeinate coffee.

decaffeinate

/ dɪˈkæfɪˌneɪt /

verb

1. tr to remove all or part of the caffeine from (coffee, tea, etc)

Other Words From

• de·caffein·ation noun
• de·caffein·ator noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of decaffeinate¹

First recorded in 1925–30; de- + caffein + -ate ¹

Example Sentences

This method, which requires expensive equipment for making and handling the CO₂, is extensively used to decaffeinate commercial-grade, or supermarket, coffees.

From Salon

The Swiss water method, initially used commercially in the early 1980s, uses hot water to decaffeinate coffee.

From Salon

After producers decaffeinate coffee beans using methylene chloride, they steam the beans and dry them.

From Salon

I found a natural way to decaffeinate a tea: steep for 30 seconds, then toss out the liquid and brew the same tea bag in fresh hot water.

From Seattle Times

Founded by Andy Liu, Decafino makes a teabag-like product that can 80 percent decaffeinate any 16-ounce cup of coffee in less than four minutes.

From Slate