decant
dih-KANT
/dɪˈkænt/
To pour liquid slowly from one container into another, specifically to separate clear liquid from sediment or to expose wine to oxygen.
Implies deliberate, gentle pouring rather than casual tipping.
The story behind the word. Formed from Latin 'de-' (off/from) + 'canthus' (the rim or lip of a vessel). The word literally means to pour off along the edge or lip of a jar without disturbing the solid residue inside.
Word relationships
- pour off: 'Pour off' is informal and mechanical; 'decant' implies precision and sensory intention.
Commonly confused with
- cant: Cant means hypocritical talk or an inclined slope; decant means to transfer liquid gently.
Word family
- decanter (noun): A decorative glass vessel into which liquid is decanted.
- decantation (noun): The process or act of decanting.
Collocations
- decant wine
- decant into a vessel
- gently decant
- decant prior to serving
Example sentences
- "The sommelier chose to decant the aged Bordeaux to leave the natural sediment at the bottom of the bottle." Restaurant Service
Memory hook
De-CANT: You CAN'T let the sediment get into the glass, so you decant. Pour off the pure, leave the rest.
When not to use
Do not use for splashing liquid hastily or gulping.
Fun facts
- Decanters date back to ancient Roman times when wine was served from large amphoras into earthenware containers.
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