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deliquesce

del·i·quesce [ dèlli kwéss ] (past and past participle del·i·quesced, present participle del·i·quesc·ing, 3rd person present singular del·i·quesc·es)

intransitive verb

Definition:

1. chemistry dissolve: to dissolve gradually by absorbing moisture from the air

2. botany form branches: to form many branches without a main stem

3. fungi become liquid: to become soft or liquid after the release of spores

[Mid-18th century. < Latin deliquescere "start melting away" < liquere "be liquid"]

del·i·ques·cence noun

del·i·ques·cent adjective

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