decant
dee-KANT
/dɪˈkænt/
To pour a liquid from one container into another, typically to separate it from sediment or to allow it to breathe.
In wine, it's about clarity and aeration; in chemistry, it's a method of separation.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'canthus', meaning the rim of a cup. To decant is literally to pour 'from the rim' in a way that leaves the dregs behind.
Word relationships
- pour off: A more casual way to describe the same action.
- shake: To mix sediment back in rather than separating it.
Commonly confused with
- descant: A descant is a musical term for a high-pitched melody played above the main tune.
Word family
- decanter (noun): A vessel used for decanting liquids.
- decantation (noun): The process of decanting.
Collocations
- decant wine
- carefully decant
- decant into a carafe
Example sentences
- "You should decant the vintage port carefully to ensure the sediment remains in the bottle." Serving an aged wine.
- "After the precipitate has settled, decant the clear liquid into a clean beaker." Laboratory procedure.
Memory hook
You 'can't' (decant) have the sediment, so you pour it away. Pour away from the sediment.
When not to use
Don't use for just 'pouring' a glass of water; it implies a specific purpose of separation or aeration.
Fun facts
- Decanting isn't just for old wines; young, 'tight' red wines benefit from the oxygen exposure of decanting to open up their aromas.
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