HealthAugust 26, 2026
desiccation
DES-ih-KAY-shun
Definition
The process of becoming or being thoroughly dried out.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin word 'desiccare', meaning 'to dry up thoroughly,' which combines the prefix 'de-' (completely) and 'siccare' (to dry).
In the news
In this study, desiccation refers to the drying process that occurs when tuberculosis bacteria are released into the air as droplets, which triggers a DNA repair response that helps the bacteria survive and mutate.
Tuberculosis Transmission May Hold Key to Prevention
Read the full article ↗WCM Newsroom