Vocabulary Spotlight
Decant
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: To gradually pour a liquid from one container to another, typically to separate it from sediment.
“He carefully decanted the wine to avoid disturbing the sediment at the bottom of the bottle.”
Pronunciation
[dih-kant]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Transfer
Drain
Siphon
Separate
Antonyms
Mix
Agitate
Blend
Combine
Related Words
Sediment (noun)
Pouring (verb)
Word Origin
“Decant” comes from the Latin word “decanthare,” meaning “to pour out from a vessel.” It entered English in the 17th century to describe the act of pouring liquids without disturbing sediment.
Word Family
Verb: Decant – To pour off liquid carefully, leaving sediment behind.
Noun: Decanter – A vessel used to pour or hold liquids.
Noun: Decantation – The process of pouring off liquid to separate sediment.
Mnemonics
Remember “Decant” as “De” + “Can” – to carefully pour or empty from one “can” or container to another.
Another mnemonic: Picture “decanting” wine from a tall bottle into a wide decanter to let it breathe.
Industry-specific Usage
Wine Industry
In the wine industry, decanting is a common practice to enhance the flavor of wine by removing sediment and aerating it.
Chemistry
In chemistry, decanting is used to separate mixtures, where one substance is poured off, leaving sediments or precipitates.
Pharmaceuticals
In pharmaceuticals, decanting can help remove impurities or separate liquid components in the preparation of medications.
In Context
Decanting is often used to describe the careful pouring of wine, but it also applies in science labs and industry for separating substances. Socially, decanting adds a sense of refinement, particularly in dining.