Meaning of macerate in English

1. Pronunciation

   /ˈmæsəˌreɪt/

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1. Verb

   macerate

   Etymology

   mid 16th century: from Latin macerat-‘made soft, soaked’, from macerare‘to soften’

   Definitions

   1. separate into constituents by soaking
2. 2. become soft or separate and disintegrate as a result of excessive soaking

   Examples

   • « the tissue macerated in the water »
3. 3. soften, usually by steeping in liquid, and cause to disintegrate as a result

   Examples

   • « macerate peaches »
   • « the gizzards macerates the food in the digestive system »
4. 4. cause to grow thin or weak

   Examples

   • « The treatment emaciated him »