Steeping

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. The act encompasses immersing substances in a liquid to draw out essences
2. This method describes the procedure of soaking materials in a fluid to obtain flavors
3. The process of allowing an item to remain submerged in a liquid to absorb properties or soften it

Etymology: The soaking sense comes from Old English "stēpan," meaning to soak or immerse in liquid. Over the centuries it settled into the everyday practice of leaving tea leaves, herbs, or grains in water until the liquid takes on their flavour. The same spelling belongs to an unrelated coin. The steeping was named after Stephen de Fulbourn, who served as bishop of Waterford, archbishop of Tuam, and treasurer and justiciar of Ireland in the 1270s and 1280s. The coin and the soaking sense share only their spelling.

Synonyms: infusing, soaking