What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dehydration
Example
After running for an hour, I experienced dehydration and had to drink plenty of water. [dehydration: noun]
Example
The fruit was dehydrated to preserve it for longer. [dehydrated: past participle]
desiccation
Example
The desiccation of the soil made it difficult for crops to grow. [desiccation: noun]
Example
The leaves of the plant were desiccated by the hot sun. [desiccated: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dehydration is more commonly used than desiccation in everyday language and is more likely to be understood by the general public.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dehydration and desiccation?
Desiccation is more formal than dehydration and is more commonly used in scientific or technical contexts.
