decoct

verb

de·​coct di-ˈkäkt 

decocted; decocting; decocts

transitive verb

1

: to extract the flavor of by boiling

2

: boil down, concentrate

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

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

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Medical Definition

decoct

transitive verb

de·​coct di-ˈkäkt 

1

: to prepare by boiling : extract the flavor or active principle of by boiling

2

: to steep in hot water