macerate

macerate Definition

mac·er·ate (mas′ər āt′)

transitive verb -·at′ed, -·at′·ing

to soften and break down into component parts by soaking in liquid for some time; specif., to soften and break down (food) in the digestive system
to steep (fruit or vegetables) as in wine or liquor
loosely to break, tear, chop, etc. into bits
to cause to waste away or grow thin

Etymology: < L maceratus, pp. of macerare, to make soft or tender, weaken, harass < IE base *māk-, to knead > Latvian màcu, to squeeze

intransitive verb

to undergo maceration; waste away; grow thin

macerate Related Forms

mac′·era′·tion noun mac′·era′·tor noun

macerate Usage Examples

Object

skin: If oozing has macerated the skin adjacent to the ulcer, use a barrier product on the affected skin.
oil: However, avoid using this ' heating oil ' if the area is highly inflamed and use instead St John's Wort macerated oil.
cherry: What a nose, as Sherry and Madeira, macerated black cherries, prunes and caramalised sugar appear.
food: It can also be fairly easily modified to give results with solid substances, e.g. macerated foods.

Preposition: on

skin: Each of the 3 varietals are macerated on the skins in rotary fermenters for about 6-7 days at a maximum temperature of approx.

Preposition: in

Browse dictionary entries near macerate