exsiccative, a. and n.
(ˈɛksɪkeɪtɪv, ɛksˈsɪkətɪv)
Forms: 5 exsiccatif, 6–7 exiccative, (6 excicatiue), 7–8 exs- (exss-)iccative.
[ad. med.L. exsiccatīvus, f. L. exsiccāre: see exsiccate. Cf. Fr. exsiccatif (Cotgr.).]
A. adj. Tending to make dry or to produce dryness, having the power or quality of drying up.
| c 1400 Lanfranc's Cirurg. (MS.B.) 87 A medycine mundyficatyff & exsiccatif. 1563 T. Gale Antidot. ii. 55 Vertue, alteratiue, resoluative, and excicatiue. 1657 Tomlinson Renou's Disp. 378* Zopissa..is more efficaciously exsiccative. 1755 in Johnson. 1884 in Syd. Soc. Lex. |
B. n. An exsiccative medicine or substance.
| 1562 W. Bullein Dial. Soarnes & Chir. 28 a, I will giue you the difference of exiccatiues, or drying Simples. 1675 Evelyn Terra (1729) 24 If too moist, apply Exssiccatives. 1765 Univ. Mag. XXXVII. 355/2 Incrustatives and exsiccatives, as myrrh, aloes. |