decrepitate

[ dih-krep-i-teyt ]
/ dɪˈkrɛp ɪˌteɪt /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR decrepitate ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), de·crep·i·tat·ed, de·crep·i·tat·ing.

to roast or calcine (salt, minerals, etc.) so as to cause crackling or until crackling ceases.

verb (used without object), de·crep·i·tat·ed, de·crep·i·tat·ing.

to break up when exposed to heat.

Origin of decrepitate

1640–50; < New Latin dēcrepitātus crackled, past participle of dēcrepitāre, equivalent to Latin dē- de- + crepitāre to crackle (frequentative of crepāre to crack); see -ate1

OTHER WORDS FROM decrepitate

de·crep·i·ta·tion, noun

Words nearby decrepitate

decreet, decrement, decremeter, decreolize, decrepit, decrepitate, decrepitude, decresc., decrescendo, decrescent, decretal

Words related to decrepitate

sparkle, sound, break, snap, crinkle, crepitate

Example sentences from the Web for decrepitate

British Dictionary definitions for decrepitate

decrepitate
/ (dɪˈkrɛpɪˌteɪt) /

verb

(tr) to heat (a substance, such as a salt) until it emits a crackling sound or until this sound stops
(intr) (esp of a salt) to crackle, as while being heated

Derived forms of decrepitate

decrepitation, noun

Word Origin for decrepitate

C17: from New Latin dēcrepitāre, from Latin crepitāre to crackle, from crepāre to creak