maceration

[mas-uh-rey-shuh n] /ˌmæs əˈreɪ ʃən/
noun
1.
the act or process of macerating.
2.
a process in winemaking in which the crushed grape skins are left in the juice until they have imparted the desired color or the proper amount of tannins and aroma.
Origin
1485-95; < Latin mācerātiōn-, stem of mācerātiō; see macerate, -ion
Related forms
self-maceration, noun
Examples from the web for maceration
  • The extensive laceration by the stylets may, secondarily, potentiate salivary maceration by mechanically rupturing cell walls.
  • The use of occlusive dressings, especially those tightly bound to the skin, may result in increased maceration of the skin.
Word Origin and History for maceration
n.

late 15c., from Latin macerationem (nominative maceratio), noun of action from past participle stem of macerare (see macerate).

maceration in Medicine

maceration mac·er·a·tion (mās'ə-rā'shən)
n.

  1. Softening by soaking in a liquid.

  2. Softening of the tissues after death by autolysis, especially of a stillborn fetus.