Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
siccative [sik-uh-tiv] ExamplesWord Origin adjective
- causing or promoting absorption of moisture; drying.
noun
- a siccative substance, especially in paint.
Origin of siccative 1540–50; Late Latin siccātīvus, equivalent to Latin siccāt(us) (past participle of siccāre to dry up; see sack3, -ate1) + -īvus -ive Related formsan·ti·sic·ca·tive, adjectivenon·sic·ca·tive, adjective, nounun·sic·ca·tive, adjective Examples from the Web for siccative Historical Examples of siccative
Sulphate of zinc, as a siccative, is less powerful than acetate of lead, but is far preferable in a chemical sense.
George Field
Hence, although the employment of lead as a siccative is not desirable, its effects are not so deleterious as might be imagined.
George Field
In his researches, he discovered the use of linseed and nut oil, which he found most siccative.
Anecdotes of Painters, Engravers, Sculptors and Architects, and Curiosities of Art, (Vol. 2 of 3)
Shearjashub Spooner
British Dictionary definitions for siccative siccative noun
- a substance added to a liquid to promote drying: used in paints and some medicines
Word Origin for siccative C16: from Late Latin siccātīvus, from Latin siccāre to dry up, from siccus dry Word Origin and History for siccative adj.
1540s, from Late Latin siccativus “drying, siccative,” from Latin siccatus, past participle of siccare “to dry, make dry; dry up,” from siccus “dry, thirsty; without rain,” from PIE root *seikw- “to flow out” (cf. Avestan hiku- “dry,” Greek iskhnos “dry, withered,” Lithuanian seklus “shallow,” Middle Irish sesc “dry,” Sanskrit sincati “makes dry”). The noun is first recorded 1825.
siccative in Medicine siccative [sĭk′ə-tĭv] n.
- A substance added to some medicines to promote drying; a drier.