verb (used without object), del·i·quesced, del·i·quesc·ing.
- to become liquid by absorbing moisture from the air, as certain salts.
- to melt away.
- Botany. to form many small divisions or branches.
verb (intr)
- (esp of certain salts) to dissolve gradually in water absorbed from the air
- (esp of certain fungi) to dissolve into liquid, usually at maturity
- (of a plant stem) to form many branches
1756, in chemistry, from Latin deliquescere “to melt away,” from de- (see de-) + liquescere “to melt,” from liquere “to be liquid” (see liquid (adj.)). General use dates from 1858.