decoct

verb

de·​coct di-ˈkäkt How to pronounce decoct (audio)
decocted; decocting; decocts

transitive verb

1
: to extract the flavor of by boiling
2

Did you know?

Decoct boils down to a simple Latin origin: the word decoquere, from de-, meaning "down" or "away," and coquere, meaning "to cook" or "to ripen." Decoct itself is somewhat rare. Its related noun decoction, which refers to either an extract obtained by decocting or the act or process of decocting, is slightly more common but still much less recognizable than some other members of the coquere family, among gastronomical words like biscuit, biscotti, cook, and kitchen. Other coquere descendants include concoct ("to prepare by combining raw materials" or "to devise or fabricate"), concoction ("something concocted"), and precocious ("exceptionally early in development or occurrence" or "exhibiting mature qualities at an unusually early age").

Examples of decoct in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Devereux says at any given time, about 70 percent of Wayfinder’s taps pour lagers, including the award-winning Hell helles-style lagerbier, C-Z-A-F decocted pilsner, and the Funeral Bock black bock. Andre Meunier, oregonlive, 31 Oct. 2019 In herbal medicine, roots and harder plant material like seeds and bark are often decocted (cooked over low heat for a length of time) as a way of extracting their healing qualities. Alaina Sullivan, Bon Appetit, 24 Jan. 2017 In herbal medicine, roots and harder plant material like seeds and bark are often decocted (cooked over low heat for a length of time) as a way of extracting their healing qualities. Alaina Sullivan, Bon Appetit, 24 Jan. 2017

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin decoctus, past participle of decoquere, from de- + coquere to cook — more at cook

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of decoct was in the 15th century

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Dictionary Entries Near decoct

Cite this Entry

“Decoct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decoct. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

decoct

transitive verb
de·​coct di-ˈkäkt How to pronounce decoct (audio)
1
: to prepare by boiling : extract the flavor or active principle of by boiling
2
: to steep in hot water

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