Desiccant vs. Desiccator — What's the Difference?

A desiccant is a hygroscopic substance that is used to induce or sustain a state of dryness (desiccation) in its vicinity; it is the opposite of a humectant. Commonly encountered pre-packaged desiccants are solids that absorb water.

Desiccators are sealable enclosures containing desiccants used for preserving moisture-sensitive items such as cobalt chloride paper for another use. A common use for desiccators is to protect chemicals which are hygroscopic or which react with water from humidity.

A substance, such as calcium oxide or silica gel, that has a high affinity for water and is used as a drying agent.

To dry out thoroughly.

A substance (such as calcium oxide or silica gel) that is used as a drying agent because of its high affinity for water.

To preserve (foods) by removing the moisture.

Causing dryness.

To make dry, dull, or lifeless

Drying; desiccative.

To become dry; dry out.

A substance that promotes drying (e.g., calcium oxide absorbs water and is used to remove moisture)

Lacking spirit or animation; arid

A closed glass vessel containing a desiccant (such as silica gel) used in laboratories for drying materials or for keeping them dry.

A machine for drying fruit, milk, etc., usually by the aid of heat; an evaporator.

One who, or that which, desiccates.

A short glass jar fitted with an air-tight cover, and containing some desiccating agent, as sulphuric acid, phosphorus pentoxide, or calcium chloride, above which is supported on a perforated platform the material to be dried, or preserved from moisture.

A machine or apparatus for drying fruit, milk, etc., usually by the aid of heat; an evaporator.