decating

noun

dec·​at·​ing
ˈdekətiŋ
variants or decatizing
-kəˌtīziŋ
plural -s
: a textile process for adding luster to cloth (as woolen and worsted) and for setting the nap and size by winding it on perforated rollers and circulating hot water or steam through it

Word History

Etymology

decating from French décatir to steam, remove a stiff finish from (from dé- de-—from Old French des-—+ catir to press, from assumed Vulgar Latin coactire to press together, from Latin coactus, past participle of cogere to drive together, compel) + English -ing; decatizing from French décatir + English -ize + -ing

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near decating

Cite this Entry

“Decating.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decating. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!