Vocabulary Spotlight
Dehydrate
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: To remove water from something; to cause something to lose moisture or bodily fluids.
“Exercising in hot weather can dehydrate the body quickly.”
Pronunciation
[dee-hahy-dreyt]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Desiccate
Drain
Parch
Evaporate
Antonyms
Moisten
Rehydrate
Soak
Dampen
Related Words
Hydration (noun)
Word Origin
“Dehydrate” comes from the Greek root “hydor,” meaning “water,” combined with the prefix “de-,” meaning “to remove.” It entered English in the early 19th century.
Word Family
Noun: Dehydration – The process of losing or removing water.
Noun: Hydration – The process of absorbing water or maintaining moisture.
Mnemonics
Think of “de-hydrate” as “remove water” – to take away hydration or moisture.
Industry-specific Usage
Medicine
In medicine, dehydration occurs when the body loses too much fluid, often requiring rehydration treatment.
Food Preservation
Dehydration is used to preserve foods by removing moisture, preventing bacterial growth.
Cosmetics
Skin dehydration is a major concern in cosmetics, often addressed with hydrating skincare products.
In Context
“Dehydrate” is commonly used in healthcare, food preservation, and skincare, where moisture levels are critical. It emphasizes the importance of hydration for well-being and quality preservation.