desiccant

[ des-i-kuh nt ]
/ ˈdɛs ɪ kənt /

adjective

desiccating or drying, as a medicine.

noun

a desiccant substance or agent.

Origin of desiccant

1670–80; < Latin dēsiccant-, stem of dēsiccāns, present participle of dēsiccāre to dry up. See desiccate, -ant

British Dictionary definitions for desiccant

desiccant
/ (ˈdɛsɪkənt) /

adjective

desiccating or drying

noun

a substance, such as calcium oxide, that absorbs water and is used to remove moisture; a drying agent

Word Origin for desiccant

C17: from Latin dēsiccāns drying up; see desiccate

Medical definitions for desiccant

desiccant
[ dĕsĭ-kənt ]

n.

A substance, such as calcium oxide or silica gel, that has a high affinity for water and is used as a drying agent.

adj.

Causing or promoting dryness.