degreasing
|de-greas-ing|
/diːˈɡriːsɪŋ/
(degrease)
remove grease
Etymology
'degreasing' originates from Modern English, formed from the verb 'degrease' (prefix 'de-' + 'grease'), where the prefix 'de-' ultimately comes from Latin meaning 'remove' or 'reversal' and 'grease' comes from Old English 'grǣs' meaning 'fat' or 'grease'.
The verb 'degrease' was formed in post‑Medieval English by combining the Latin-derived prefix 'de-' with the native English word 'grease' (Old English 'grǣs'); the gerund/participle 'degreasing' developed as the verbal noun/participle form.
Initially it referred specifically to removing animal or vegetable fats; over time it broadened to removing any oily, greasy contaminants (oils, lubricants, residues) from surfaces or parts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the action or process of removing grease, oil, or fat from a surface or object.
The degreasing of the metal parts is necessary before painting.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 1
present participle or gerund form of 'degrease' (to remove grease).
They are degreasing the engine parts before assembly.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 1
serving to remove grease; used in the process of degreasing (often before finishing or plating).
A degreasing solvent was applied to the surface before plating.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/22 13:29