deliquescing

1 definition found

deliquescing - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Deliquesce \Del`i*quesce"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Deliquesced;
     p. pr. & vb. n. Deliquescing.] [L. deliquescere to melt,
     dissolve; de- + liquescere to become fluid, melt, fr. liquere
     to be fluid. See Liquid.] (Chem.)
     To dissolve gradually and become liquid by attracting and
     absorbing moisture from the air, as certain salts, acids, and
     alkalies.
  
           In very moist air crystals of strontites deliquesce.
                                                    --Black.
     [1913 Webster]