macerate

• Verbe signifiant ramollir ou décomposer quelque chose en le trempant dans un liquide, souvent utilisé dans un contexte culinaire ou scientifique.

A verb meaning to soften or break down something by soaking it in a liquid, often used in cooking or scientific contexts.

1. Separate by soakingC2formal

   To break down or separate the components of something by soaking it in a liquid.

   séparer par trempage

   • The chemist macerated the plant leaves in alcohol to extract the essential oils.
   • To make the dye, you must macerate the berries in water for several hours.
   • The process macerates the fibers, allowing them to be separated easily.

   Synonymesinfuseleachsoaksteep

   Antonymescoagulatecongealhardensolidify

2. Become soft from soakingC2formal

   To become soft or disintegrate as a result of being soaked in liquid for a long time.

   Se ramollir par trempage

   • The old paper macerated in the damp basement.
   • The fruit left in the bowl began to macerate and lose its shape.
   • The wood had macerated after years of exposure to the rain.

   Synonymesbreak downdisintegratesoften

3. Soften by steepingC2formal

   To soften something by steeping it in a liquid, causing it to disintegrate.

   Tremper pour ramollir

   • The chef macerated the dried mushrooms in warm water to rehydrate them.
   • They macerated the herbs in oil to infuse the flavor.
   • The process macerates the tough meat, making it tender.

   Synonymesmashpulpsoaksoftensteep

   Antonymescongealcuredryhardensolidify

4. Cause to become thin or weakC2formal

   To cause someone or something to become thin or weak, often through deprivation or hardship.

   Amaigrir, affaiblir

   • The long illness macerated his body, leaving him frail.
   • The harsh winter macerated the livestock, reducing their strength.
   • Constant worry macerated her spirit over time.

   Synonymesdebilitatedrainemaciateenervateenfeeblesapwasteweaken

   Antonymesfortifyinvigoratenourishstrengthen