exsiccant, a. and n. ? Obs.
(ɛkˈsɪkənt)
[ad. L. exsiccānt-em, pr. pple. of exsiccāre: see exsiccate v.]
A. adj. Drying, having the power or quality of drying up.
| 1657 Rumsey Org. Salutis Ep. Ded. (1659) 18 The exsiccant quality it hath to dry up the crudities of the stomach. 1676 Wiseman Chirurg. Treat. vi. v. 422 Some dry or exsiccant Medicine. 1755 in Johnson. 1832 in Webster. |
B. n. An exsiccant drug or medicine.
| 1676 Wiseman Chirurg. Treat. iv. iv. 296, I caused his knee to be fomented with Discutients and Exsiccants. |