macerate
UK: ˈmæsəreɪt | US: ˈmæsəreɪt
vt. to soften or break down by soaking in a liquid
vt. to cause to waste away or become emaciated
vi. to undergo maceration
macerate = macer<soften> + ate<verb suffix>
- macer (from Latin macerare "to soften, steep")
- ate (Latin-derived verb suffix indicating action)
Etymology Origin:
The word "macerate" traces back to Latin macerare, meaning "to soften by soaking." The root macer reflects the core idea of softening or weakening, while the suffix -ate standardizes it as a verb in English. Historically, the term was used in alchemy and medicine to describe the process of breaking down substances, later extending to biological and culinary contexts (e.g., softening fruit in alcohol).
The chef will macerate the berries in sugar to enhance their flavor.
Prolonged immersion in acid can macerate organic tissue.
The archaeologists found macerated plant remains in the ancient vessel.
Without proper nutrition, the body begins to macerate its own muscle tissue.
To make the dessert, macerate the citrus peels overnight in syrup.