Exsiccant, a word of Latin origin, is used to describe substances that have the ability to dry out moisture from a substance or environment. Synonyms for the word include desiccant, dehydrating agent, drying agent, absorbent, and parching agent. Desiccant and dehydrating agent suggest active removal of moisture from a substance, while absorbent and drying agent suggest the capability to absorb moisture. Parching agent is often used to describe substances that dry by means of heat and is commonly used in relation to food preservation. Regardless of the use, it is crucial to select an exsiccant that is suited for the intended purpose.