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Definition of Shrivel
1. Verb. Wither, as with a loss of moisture. "The fruit dried and shriveled"
Specialized synonyms: Atrophy, Blast, Die Back, Die Down, Dry Up, Mummify
Generic synonyms: Decrease, Diminish, Fall, Lessen
2. Verb. Decrease in size, range, or extent. "Their earnings shrivel this year"; "My courage shrivelled when I saw the task before me"
Definition of Shrivel
1. v. i. To draw, or be drawn, into wrinkles; to shrink, and form corrugations; as, a leaf shriveles in the hot sun; the skin shrivels with age; -- often with up.
2. v. t. To cause to shrivel or contract; to cause to shrink onto corruptions.
Definition of Shrivel
1. to contract into wrinkles [v -ELED, -ELING, -ELS or -ELLED, -ELLING, -ELS]
Medical Definition of Shrivel
1. To draw, or be drawn, into wrinkles; to shrink, and form corrugations; as, a leaf shriveles in the hot sun; the skin shrivels with age; often with up. Origin: Shriveled or Shrivelled; Shriveling or Shrivelling] [Probably akin to shrimp, shrink; cf. Dial. AS. Screpa to pine away, Norw. Skrypa to waste, skryp, skryv, transitory, frail, Sw. Skropling feeble, Dan. Skrobelig, Icel. Skrjpr brittle, frail. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)
Lexicographical Neighbors of Shrivel
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