macerated
/ˈmæsəˌreɪtɪd/
VERB
1. Softened or broken down by soaking
Having been softened, broken down, or separated into smaller pieces by soaking in a heated or unheated liquid.
1.1. Food preparation and cooking
Describes fruits, vegetables, or other food ingredients that have been soaked in liquid to soften their texture, release natural juices, or enhance their flavor.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- dried
- dehydrated
- desiccated
- parched
Examples
- The chef created a unique salad with macerated strawberries, adding a burst of sweetness to every bite.
- The strawberries were macerated in sugar and lemon juice before being served.
- The grape skins were carefully macerated to infuse the wine with deep color and complex flavors.
Related Words
1.2. Plant materials and liquid extraction
Refers to herbs, leaves, or other plant materials that have been soaked in a liquid to soften their structure and extract soluble compounds, flavors, or aromatic substances.
Synonyms
- infused
- steeped
- soaked
- immersed
- impregnated
- saturated
Antonyms
- dried
- dehydrated
- desiccated
Examples
- After a day of soaking, the dried herbs were fully rehydrated and macerated for a robust herbal extract.
- The laboratory technician allowed the leaves to macerate overnight in the solvent.
Related Words
- decocted
- brewed
- extracted
- hydrated
- botanical extract
- tincture
- infusion
VERB
2. Made lean or physically wasted
Having been caused to become excessively thin, weak, or emaciated, particularly through prolonged illness, deprivation, or insufficient nourishment.
2.1. Emaciation and physical deterioration
Describes a person or animal whose body has become extremely thin and weakened because of illness, starvation, malnutrition, or prolonged physical hardship.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- strengthened
- nourished
- fattened
- invigorated
- restored
Examples
- The prolonged illness had macerated his body, leaving him extremely thin and weak.
- The harsh conditions macerated the prisoners, leaving them physically exhausted and emaciated.
Related Words
- malnourished
- undernourished
- famished
- gaunt
- scrawny
- skeletal
- frail
- starved
VERB
3. Having the appetite suppressed through deprivation
Having been deprived of sufficient nourishment or subjected to a scanty diet to suppress physical appetite and weaken bodily desires.
3.1. Fasting and dietary deprivation
Describes the suppression of appetite through restricted food intake, prolonged fasting, or deliberate nutritional deprivation, particularly in historical religious or ascetic practices.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The ascetic macerated his appetite through prolonged fasting and a severely restricted diet.
- The monks followed a strict regimen that macerated their physical appetites as part of their spiritual discipline.
Related Words
- fasting
- abstinence
- self-denial
- asceticism
- appetite
- deprivation
- austerity
- penance
VERB
4. Subjected to bodily mortification
Having been subjected to physical hardship, self-denial, or deliberate bodily discipline as an expression of religious devotion, penance, or spiritual self-control.
4.1. Religious discipline and bodily mortification
Describes the deliberate weakening or subduing of the body through fasting, physical austerity, or other forms of self-denial, traditionally undertaken for spiritual or religious purposes.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The monk macerated his flesh through prolonged fasting and prayer.
- Some religious ascetics macerated themselves through severe physical austerities as an expression of devotion.
Related Words
- asceticism
- penance
- mortification
- self-denial
- austerity
- abstinence
- religious devotion
- spiritual discipline