deliquescent (redirected from deliquescences)

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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deliquescent  (dl-kwsnt)

Relating to a solid substance that absorbs moisture from the air and becomes liquid. Deliquescent substances usually absorb so much moisture from the air that they form a strong solution. Potassium hydroxide is deliquescent.

Thesaurus

Adj.

1.

deliquescent - (especially of certain salts) becoming liquid by absorbing moisture from the air hydrophilic - having a strong affinity for water; tending to dissolve in, mix with, or be wetted by water