deliquescence

del·i·quesce  (dl-kws)

intr.v. del·i·quesced, del·i·quesc·ing, del·i·quesc·es

1.

a. To melt away.

b. To disappear as if by melting.

2. Chemistry To dissolve and become liquid by absorbing moisture from the air.

3. Botany

a. To branch out into numerous subdivisions that lack a main axis, as the stem of an elm.

b. To become fluid or soft on maturing, as certain fungi.

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[Latin dliquscere : d-, de- + liquscere, to melt, inchoative of liqure, to be liquid.]

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deli·quescence n.

deli·quescent adj.

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deliquescence [ˌdɛlɪˈkwɛs^əns]

n

1. (Chemistry) the process of deliquescing

2. (Chemistry) a solution formed when a solid or liquid deliquesces

deliquescent  adj

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deliquescence

1. the process of melting away or becoming moist from absorbing moisture from the air.
2. the liquid substance so formed. Cf. efflorescence. — deliquescent, adj.

See also: Processes

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the property of a substance to attract and absorb moisture, especially from the air. Cf. efflorescence. — deliquescent, adj.

See also: Water