deliquescence

del·i·quesce   (děl'ĭ-kwěs')    intr.v.   del·i·quesced, del·i·quesc·ing, del·i·quesc·es To melt away. To disappear as if by melting. To branch out into numerous subdivisions that lack a main axis, as the stem of an elm. To become fluid or soft on maturing, as certain fungi. Chemistry To dissolve and become liquid by absorbing moisture from the air. Botany To branch out into numerous subdivisions that lack a main axis, as the stem of an elm. To become fluid or soft on maturing, as certain fungi. [Latin dēliquēscere : dē-, de- + liquēscere, to melt, inchoative of liquēre, to be liquid.] del'i·ques'cence n., del'i·ques'cent adj.

Main Entry: del·i·ques·cence
Pronunciation: "del-i-'kwes-^&n(t)s
Function: noun
: the action or process of dissolving orbecoming liquid especially by a deliquescent substance; also : the resultant state or the liquid produced —del·i·quesce /-'kwes/ intransitiveverb -quesced; -quesc·ing

deliquescence del·i·ques·cence (děl'ĭ-kwěs'əns)
n.
The process of dissolving or of becoming liquid through the absorption of moisture from the atmosphere.

deliquescence

the process by which a substance absorbs moisture from the atmosphere until it dissolves in the absorbed water and forms a solution. Deliquescence occurs when the vapour pressure of the solution that is formed is less than the partial pressure of water vapour in the air. All soluble salts will deliquesce if the air is sufficiently humid. A substance that absorbs moisture from the air but not necessarily to the point of dissolution is called hygroscopic

Learn more about deliquescence with a free trial on Britannica.com.