dessicated

Desiccated is an adjective that describes something that has had all of its moisture removed, typically through drying. This process of desiccation is used to preserve food, prevent spoilage, and sometimes to alter the texture or properties of a substance. For example, desiccated coconut is made by removing the water from fresh coconut meat. Similarly, desiccated vegetables are a common ingredient in many processed foods, as the removal of water makes them lighter, less prone to bacterial growth, and easier to store.

In a biological context, desiccation refers to the state of being extremely dry. Organisms that are adapted to arid environments often have mechanisms to prevent or tolerate desiccation. This can include specialized skin, metabolic adaptations, or the ability to enter a dormant state. The term can also be used in a more general sense to describe anything that is dried out and shriveled, such as desiccated plant matter. The process of desiccation is a natural phenomenon, occurring when water evaporates from surfaces, but it can also be an intentional process undertaken for various practical purposes.