siccative etymology

Etymology

The word "siccative" comes from the Late Latin word "siccativus," meaning "making dry." This word is derived from the Latin verb "sicco," meaning "to dry."

Meaning

A siccative is a substance that is added to paint, varnish, or other coatings to speed up the drying process. Siccatives are typically used in oil-based paints and varnishes, as these coatings tend to take a long time to dry.

Origin

The earliest known use of the word "siccative" in English dates back to the 15th century. It is thought that the word was first used by alchemists to refer to substances that were used to dry out chemical mixtures. In the 16th century, the word began to be used in the context of paint and varnish making.

Examples of Siccatives

Some common siccatives include:

• Cobalt salts: Cobalt salts are the most commonly used siccatives. They are typically added to oil-based paints and varnishes in small amounts.
• Manganese salts: Manganese salts are also used as siccatives, but they are not as effective as cobalt salts.
• Lead salts: Lead salts are powerful siccatives, but they are also toxic. They are no longer used in commercial paint and varnish products.

Safety Considerations

Some siccatives can be harmful if they are inhaled or ingested. It is important to read the safety instructions on the product label before using it.

siccative relate terms

• desiccant

  Etymology Desiccant noun mid 17th century from Latin desiccare dry up from de

• siccative

  Etymology The word siccative comes from the Late Latin word siccativus meaning maki

• desiccate

  Etymology The word desiccate comes from the Late Latin word desiccare meaning to d

• siccative

  Etymology The word siccative comes from the Late Latin word siccativus meaning maki

• desiccated

  Etymology The word desiccated is derived from the Latin word dessicatus the past pa

• rider

  Etymology The word rider has multiple etymologies Old English ridere meaning on

• kudos

  Etymology Late Latin quod deus meaning because God wills it as God wills it Mediev

• lugubrious

  Etymology From Latin lugubris mournful dismal from Proto Indo European s leug

• cause

  Etymology The word cause derives from the Old French word cause which itself comes f

• perceive

  Etymology Latin percipere to take hold of lay hold of Proto Indo European per

• luck

  Etymology The word luck derives from the Middle English word lok ke which in turn

• synagogue

  Etymology Latin synagōga Greek συναγωγή sunagōgē Meaning A Jewish h

• symposium

  Etymology and Origin The word symposium comes from the Ancient Greek word συμπό

• malignant

  Etymology From Middle English malignant from Late Latin malignāns harmful mischiev