exsiccator

A scientist places a sample inside the exsiccator to dry.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A container for drying substances: An "exsiccator" is a laboratory apparatus, typically a glass vessel, used to remove moisture from materials by placing them in a dry environment, often containing a desiccant such as silica gel or calcium chloride.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The chemist placed the sample in the exsiccator to remove any residual water. (A container that dries the sample.)
  • After heating, the crystals were cooled in an exsiccator to prevent moisture absorption. (A device for maintaining dryness.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be kept in an exsiccator": to store a substance in a dry, sealed container to avoid humidity.

  • The hygroscopic powder must be kept in an exsiccator at all times. (It must be stored in a moisture-free environment.)

• "to use an exsiccator": to employ the apparatus for drying purposes in a laboratory setting.

  • Before weighing, the precipitate was placed in an exsiccator for 30 minutes. (The precipitate was dried using the apparatus.)

Variants and Related Words

• Exsiccate (verb): to dry up or remove moisture from something.

  • The process exsiccates the leaves, leaving them brittle. (Dries them completely.)

• Exsiccation (noun): the act or process of drying out.

  • Exsiccation of the soil is common in arid regions. (The drying process.)

Synonyms

• Desiccator: a similar laboratory apparatus used for drying, often synonymous with exsiccator.
• Dryer: a general term for a device that removes moisture.

Phrasal Verbs

• (No common phrasal verbs are associated with "exsiccator" due to its technical nature.)

Related Idioms

• (No common idioms are associated with "exsiccator" due to its specialized scientific use.)