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decoct

verb
de·​coct | \ di-ˈkäkt How to pronounce decoct (audio) \
decocted; decocting; decocts

Definition of decoct

transitive verb

1 : to extract the flavor of by boiling
2 : boil down, concentrate
Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about decoct

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Did You Know?

Decoct boils down to a simple Latin origin: the word decoquere, from de-, meaning "down" or "away," and coquere, meaning "to cook" or "to ripen." Decoct itself is quite rare. Its related noun decoction, which refers to either an extract obtained by decocting or the act or process of decocting, is slightly more common but still much less recognizable than some other members of the coquere family, among them biscuit, biscotti, cook, and kitchen. Other coquere descendants include concoct ("to prepare by combining raw materials" or "to devise or fabricate"), concoction ("something concocted"), and precocious ("exceptionally early in development or occurrence" or "exhibiting mature qualities at an unusually early age").

Examples of decoct in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 In herbal medicine, roots and harder plant material like seeds and bark are often decocted (cooked over low heat for a length of time) as a way of extracting their healing qualities. — Alaina Sullivan, Bon Appetit, "This Recipe for Moon Milk Is Better Than Counting Sheep," 24 Jan. 2017 In herbal medicine, roots and harder plant material like seeds and bark are often decocted (cooked over low heat for a length of time) as a way of extracting their healing qualities. — Alaina Sullivan, Bon Appetit, "This Recipe for Moon Milk Is Better Than Counting Sheep," 24 Jan. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'decoct.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of decoct

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for decoct

Middle English, from Latin decoctus, past participle of decoquere, from de- + coquere to cook — more at cook

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More Definitions for decoct

decoct

transitive verb
de·​coct | \ di-ˈkäkt How to pronounce decoct (audio) \

Medical Definition of decoct

1 : to prepare by boiling : extract the flavor or active principle of by boiling
2 : to steep in hot water

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Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with decoct

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