desiccant Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a substance that promotes drying (e.g., calcium oxide absorbs water and is used to remove moisture)
    siccative; drying agent; drier.

WordNet

De*sic"cant adjective
Etymology
L. desiccans, p. pr. of desiccare. See Desiccate.
Definitions
  1. Drying; desiccative. -- n. (Med.) A medicine or application for drying up a sore. Wiseman.

Webster 1913