View synonyms for decrepitate

decrepitate

[ dih-krep-i-teyt ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

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.

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

Discover More

Derived Forms

deˌcrepiˈtation, noun

Discover More

Other Words From

de·crepi·tation noun

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of decrepitate¹

1640–50; < New Latin dēcrepitātus crackled, past participle of dēcrepitāre, equivalent to Latin dē- de- + crepitāre to crackle (frequentative of crepāre to crack); -ate ¹

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of decrepitate¹

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

Discover More

Example Sentences

Placed on burning coals, they decrepitate on drying, and produce a species of explosion or detonation.

From Project Gutenberg

Pliny had just reason to add, that nitrum otherwise does not properly decrepitate.

From Project Gutenberg

Muffle furnaces are suitable for fine ores which are liable to decrepitate or sinter.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

sparkle

Word of the Day

April 23, 2024inveterate

[in-vet-er-it ]

Meaning and examples

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

decrepit decrepitude

Browse