desiccate science definition

To remove the moisture from something or dry it thoroughly.
♦ A desiccator  is a container that removes moisture from the air within it.
♦ A desiccator contains a desiccant, a substance that traps or absorbs water molecules. Some desiccants include silica gel (silicon dioxide), calcium sulfate (dehydrated gypsum), calcium oxide (calcined lime), synthetic molecular sieves (porous crystalline aluminosilicates), and dried clay.