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

The proper drying of oils and their behavior with various siccatives in varying quantity is an interesting problem, and obviously of considerable importance from a practical standpoint.

From Project Gutenberg

For those drugs which are strong siccatives and absorb humour force the viscera when hardened into a tumour more completely into a quasi-stony body.

From Project Gutenberg

"A peculiar kind of Venetian glass," says Mr Eastlake, "used, when pulverised, as a dryer, contained a considerable portion of lead; and if it acted chemically, may have derived its siccative quality from that ingredient."

From Project Gutenberg

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