deliquescent (adj.)

1791, in chemistry, "liquefying in air," from Latin deliquescentem (nominative deliquescens), present participle of deliquescere "to melt away," from de- (see de-) + liquescere "to melt," from liquere "to be liquid" (see liquid (adj.)). Transferred or figurative sense of "apt to dissolve or melt away" is by 1837. Related: Deliquescence.