1 evaporate | Definition of evaporate

evaporate

verb
evap·​o·​rate | \ i-ˈva-p(ə-)ˌrāt How to pronounce evaporate (audio) \
evaporated; evaporating

Definition of evaporate

transitive verb

1a : to convert into vapor also : to dissipate or draw off in vapor or fumes
b : to deposit (a substance, such as a metal) in the form of a film by sublimation
2a : to expel moisture from
b : expel evaporate electrons from a hot wire

intransitive verb

1a : to pass off in vapor or in minute particles
b(1) : to pass off or away : disappear her ardor evaporated
(2) : to diminish quickly
2 : to give forth vapor

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Other Words from evaporate

evaporative \ i-​ˈva-​pə-​ˌrā-​tiv How to pronounce evaporative (audio) \ adjective
evaporator \ i-​ˈva-​pə-​ˌrā-​tər How to pronounce evaporator (audio) \ noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for evaporate

Synonyms

dematerialize, disappear, dissolve, evanesce, fade, flee, fly, melt, sink, vanish

Antonyms

appear, materialize

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Examples of evaporate in a Sentence

Let the liquid start to evaporate. The heat evaporated the water. The opportunity evaporated before he could act on it.
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Recent Examples on the Web

Add rum to the mix and continue cooking to evaporate the alcohol. San Diego Union-Tribune, "Decadent French toast recipes from Breakfast Republic’s chef," 13 Aug. 2019 Kendall goes through the motions, but his spirit seems to have evaporated. Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, "Succession Is Better Than Ever," 11 Aug. 2019 Without sweat on the skin, there's nothing to evaporate, and the fan instead simply blows warm air over the body. NBC News, "Electric fans aren't always best for cooling off. Here's why.," 5 Aug. 2019 Recently, however, the good will seems to have evaporated. David Yaffe-bellany, New York Times, "From Environmental Leader to ‘Worst Company in the World’," 29 July 2019 When is the front office going to make a deal to rid the Dodgers of these gas cans and bring in some pitchers who will not allow leads to evaporate in every appearance? Los Angeles Times, "Letters: Dodgers fans still seeking relief," 19 July 2019 Tanklike devices called solar stills use the sun to evaporate dirty or salty water and condense the vapor into safe drinking water. Robert F. Service, Science | AAAS, "New solar technology could produce clean drinking water for millions in need," 28 June 2019 But her insecurities seemed to evaporate with the audience's elation. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Summerfest 2019: Brandi Carlile, Lonely Island, T-Pain and the best and worst on the side stages on Day 3," 28 June 2019 And as heat causes water to evaporate and carbon dioxide to be released, the bones' chemical makeup changes as well. Stephanie Demarco, latimes.com, "Archaeologists have a new way to unlock the secrets of ancient burned bones," 28 June 2019

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

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First Known Use of evaporate

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

History and Etymology for evaporate

Middle English, from Latin evaporatus, past participle of evaporare, from e- + vapor steam, vapor

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More Definitions for evaporate

evaporate

verb

English Language Learners Definition of evaporate

: to change from a liquid into a gas
: to go away suddenly : to disappear or vanish

evaporate

verb
evap·​o·​rate | \ i-ˈva-pə-ˌrāt How to pronounce evaporate (audio) \
evaporated; evaporating

Kids Definition of evaporate

1 : to change into vapor The liquid evaporated quickly.
2 : to remove some of the water from something (as by heating) evaporate milk
3 : to disappear without being seen to go Their savings quickly evaporated.

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