antisiccative
|an-ti-sic-ca-tive|
/ˌæn.tɪˈsɪk.ə.tɪv/
against drying; retains moisture
Etymology
'antisiccative' originates from the Modern English combining form 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti-' meaning 'against') and 'siccative' (from Latin 'siccativus', related to 'siccāre' meaning 'to dry').
'siccative' derives from Latin 'siccativus' (from 'siccāre' 'to dry'); the English word 'siccative' entered from Late Latin/early scientific usage meaning 'causing drying'. 'Antisiccative' was formed in English by prefixing 'anti-' to 'siccative' to indicate opposition to drying.
Initially the root 'sicc-' related specifically to 'drying'; 'antisiccative' was coined to mean 'against drying' and has retained that core sense, applied to agents or treatments that prevent moisture loss.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a substance or agent used to prevent drying; an anti-desiccant (often applied to plants, food, or materials to retain moisture).
Farmers applied an antisiccative to the cut flowers before transport to extend their vase life.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 1
preventing or counteracting drying; retaining moisture (applied to substances, treatments, or coatings that reduce dehydration or loss of moisture).
The antisiccative coating kept the wooden beams from cracking during the dry season.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/10 02:12