SICCATIVE

desiccant, drying agent, drier, siccative

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

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

siccative (plural siccatives)

A drier; a catalyst used to promote drying

Adjective

siccative (comparative more siccative, superlative most siccative)

Causing or promoting drying

Source: Wiktionary

Sic"ca*tive, a. Etym: [L. siccativus.]

Definition: Drying; causing to dry.

– n.

Definition: That which promotes drying.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition