macerate

American  

[mas-uh-reyt] / ˈmæs əˌreɪt /

verb (used with object)

macerated, macerating

1. to soften or separate into parts by steeping in a liquid.

2. to soften or decompose (food) by the action of a solvent.

3. to cause to grow thin.

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verb (used without object)

macerated, macerating

1. to undergo maceration.

2. to become thin or emaciated; waste away.

   Synonyms:

   wither, fade, shrivel, shrink

macerate British  

/ ˈmæsəˌreɪt /

verb

1. to soften or separate or be softened or separated as a result of soaking

2. to break up or cause to break up by soaking

   macerated peaches

3. to become or cause to become thin

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Other Word Forms

• macerater noun
• maceration noun
• macerative adjective
• macerator noun
• unmacerated adjective

Etymology

Origin of macerate

1540–50; < Latin mācerātus (past participle of mācerāre to make soft, weaken, steep); -ate ¹

Example Sentences

You might even prefer to macerate fresh berries and use them in place of the compote.

From Washington Post • Dec. 14, 2021

Since the added time with this method was completely hands-off, unless I were in a rush, I don't see why I wouldn't macerate to get the flavor boost in the future.

From Salon • Aug. 11, 2021

If you allow the juice to instead macerate with the skins, as you would a red, it picks up an amber tinge and some tannins, depending on how long the maceration lasts.

From New York Times • Nov. 5, 2020

Pour sugar over apricots and let stand for a few hours to macerate.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 30, 2020

They macerate and digest the leaves, and aid in mixing the decomposed matter with the surface soil.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson