decrepitate

verb

de·​crep·​i·​tate di-ˈkre-pə-ˌtāt How to pronounce decrepitate (audio)
decrepitated; decrepitating; decrepitates

transitive verb

: to roast or calcine (a substance, such as salt) so as to cause crackling or until crackling stops
decrepitation noun

Word History

Etymology

probably from New Latin *decrepitatus, past participle of *decrepitare, from Latin de- + crepitare to crackle — more at crepitate

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of decrepitate was in 1646

Dictionary Entries Near decrepitate

Cite this Entry

“Decrepitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decrepitate. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

decrepitate

verb
de·​crep·​i·​tate di-ˈkrep-ə-ˌtāt How to pronounce decrepitate (audio)
decrepitated; decrepitating

transitive verb

: to roast or calcine (as salt) so as to cause crackling or until crackling stops
decrepitation noun
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