"Slaked" is the past tense of the verb "slake," which means to quench or satisfy one's thirst, desire, or need. For example, "She slaked her thirst with a glass of cold water." In this context, "slaked" indicates that the thirst was entirely satisfied.
"Slake" can also mean to mix a substance, typically lime or calcium oxide, with water to produce a chemical reaction that results in the substance becoming less caustic or hot. This process is often used in construction or industry. For example, "The mason slaked the lime before using it in the mortar." When the mason slakes the lime (CaO), they are mixing it with water to produce hydrated lime (Ca(OH)2). This chemical reaction with water results in a less caustic and more workable substance that can be used in mortar for construction purposes.
The use of the word "slake" has declined since the 1900s. Words like "quench," "satisfy," and "hydrate" are much more common than "slake" or "slaked."
Example sentences
- He slaked his curiosity by reading a comprehensive biography of the famous inventor.
- The rainfall slaked the parched earth, bringing much-needed relief to the drought-stricken region.
- She slaked her hunger by devouring a large, satisfying meal at the restaurant.
- The firefighters slaked the raging inferno with a deluge of water from their hoses.
- After a long day in the scorching sun, a cool shower was all he needed to slake his discomfort.
- The community organized a charity event to slake the thirst for knowledge among underprivileged children.
- The artisan carefully slaked the clay before shaping it into exquisite pottery.
- The company implemented a new policy to slake the employees' desire for professional development opportunities.
- The gourmet chef used a flavorful sauce to slake the diner's craving for exquisite taste.
- The gardeners diligently slaked the soil to ensure optimal conditions for plant growth.
- The historian's detailed research slaked the academic community's thirst for accurate historical records.
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