verb
parch
PARCH/pɑːrtʃ/
To make or become extremely dry through heat.
The summer sun parches the soil until deep cracks appear.
Etymology
The origin is uncertain, but the earliest recorded meaning was to roast or dry foods such as peas and grain. The later sense emphasizes drying through excessive heat without burning.
In context
Phoebus Apollo moreover sent a dark cloud from heaven to earth, which gave shade to the whole place where Hector lay, that the heat of the sun might not parch his body.
More examples
- The grass parches quickly in the relentless afternoon heat.
- Hot, dry winds parch my lips during long desert hikes.
- We parch the corn over low heat before grinding it.
Forms
parch · parches · parched · parching