macerate Definition
- 1to soften or break up something by soaking it in a liquid
- 2to become soft or dissolve as a result of being soaked in a liquid
Using macerate: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "macerate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The recipe calls for the fruit to be macerated in sugar overnight.
Example
The wood had been left outside and had begun to macerate in the rain.
Example
The chef macerated the herbs in oil to create a flavorful dressing.
macerate Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with macerate
Example
The recipe requires the cherries to be macerated in alcohol for at least a week.
to soak vegetables or other ingredients in vinegar to soften them and add flavor
Example
The pickles are made by macerating cucumbers in vinegar and spices.
Example
The tea leaves need to be macerated in hot water for several minutes before drinking.
Origins of macerate
from Latin 'macerare', meaning 'to soften'
Summary: macerate in Brief
To 'macerate' [ˈmasəreɪt] is to soften or break up something by soaking it in a liquid, or to become soft or dissolve as a result of being soaked in a liquid. This can be done with fruit, vegetables, or other ingredients, as in 'The chef macerated the herbs in oil to create a flavorful dressing.' 'Macerate' is often used in cooking, such as when soaking fruit in sugar or alcohol to extract their flavors.
