deliquesce

[ del-i-kwes ]

verb (used without object)

, del·i·quesced, del·i·quesc·ing.

1. to become liquid by absorbing moisture from the air, as certain salts.
2. to melt away.
3. Botany. to form many small divisions or branches.

deliquesce

/ ˌdɛlɪˈkwɛs /

verb

1. (esp of certain salts) to dissolve gradually in water absorbed from the air
2. (esp of certain fungi) to dissolve into liquid, usually at maturity
3. (of a plant stem) to form many branches

Word History and Origins

Origin of deliquesce¹

First recorded in 1750–60; from Latin dēliquēscere “to become liquid,” equivalent to dē- de- + liquēscere; liquescent

Word History and Origins

Origin of deliquesce¹

C18: from Latin dēliquēscere to melt away, become liquid, from de- + liquēscere to melt, from liquēre to be liquid

Example Sentences

And all the substances which this acid unites with crystallize, and do not deliquesce.

From Project Gutenberg

This feebler cohesive force renders it apt to deliquesce, especially if there be a small excess of the alkali.

From Project Gutenberg

Most of the former are firmer, while the black spored specimens soon deliquesce.

From Project Gutenberg

They then expand quickly, curl up in shreds, and deliquesce into a black inky fluid which stains the ground.

From Project Gutenberg

In this figure one can see the change in color of the gills just at the time when they begin to deliquesce.

From Project Gutenberg