ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈkāshən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Late Latin desiccation-, desiccatio, from Latin desiccatus + -ion-, -io -ion
1. : the act or process of desiccating or the state of being or becoming desiccated:
a. : a complete or nearly complete deprivation of moisture or of water not chemically combined (as by vaporization or evaporation) : dehydration
attributed to some preconsolidation in the soils, particularly the clays, due to compaction by desiccation — Mason Lockwood
partial desiccation of landlocked seas at many stages of geological history has given rise to extensive deposits of gypsum and rock salt — W.G.Fearnsides
for industrial purposes enzymes are rarely purified beyond the stage of simple extraction and desiccation of the extract — A.K.Balls
from the long-wave diathermy machine two distinct currents are obtained which produce desiccation and electrocoagulation respectively — W.H.Schmidt
b. : destitution of vitality from having been or having become desiccated ; especially : deterioration through deprivation or loss of animating, stimulating, or inspiring qualities
the prevalent desiccation of the study of philosophy in universities — T.S.Eliot
research, which alone preserves science from desiccation and death — A.L.Guérard
2. : a bit of desiccated matter
ringed glasses, clotted tub drains, desiccations of paste on toothbrushes — Philip Wylie