macerate

• 动词，指将某物浸泡在液体中使其软化或分解，常用于烹饪或科学语境。

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.

   浸渍分离

   • 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.

   同义词infuseleachsoaksteep

   反义词coagulatecongealhardensolidify

2. Become soft from soakingC2formal

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

   浸泡变软

   • 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.

   同义词break downdisintegratesoften

3. Soften by steepingC2formal

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

   浸泡软化

   • 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.

   同义词mashpulpsoaksoftensteep

   反义词congealcuredryhardensolidify

4. Cause to become thin or weakC2formal

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

   使消瘦虚弱

   • 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.

   同义词debilitatedrainemaciateenervateenfeeblesapwasteweaken

   反义词fortifyinvigoratenourishstrengthen