macerate meaning and definition

MACERATE verb

Definition of macerate (verb)

1. separate into constituents by soaking
2. become soft or separate and disintegrate as a result of excessive soaking
   • "the tissue macerated in the water"
3. soften, usually by steeping in liquid, and cause to disintegrate as a result
   • "macerate peaches"; "the gizzards macerates the food in the digestive system"
4. cause to grow thin or weak
   • "The treatment emaciated him"
   • synonyms: emaciate, waste