Shrivelled

The adjective 'shrivelled' describes something that has become wrinkled and contracted, typically due to loss of moisture, aging, or decay. It implies a reduction in size or volume and a loss of firmness or plumpness. This can apply to both organic and inorganic objects. The process often results in a leathery or dried appearance, reflecting a depletion of internal fluids or essential components. It suggests a state of decline, with a loss of vitality or original form. The extent of 'shrivelling' can vary greatly, ranging from barely noticeable wrinkles to complete desiccation.

Shrivelled meaning with examples

• The old apple, left on the windowsill for weeks, had become completely shrivelled. Its skin was a deep brown, and it felt papery to the touch, a stark contrast to the crisp, juicy fruit it once was. The once appealing fragrance had diminished, replaced by a faint, musty odor. It was a clear indicator that time and the elements had taken their toll.
• The desert landscape was filled with shrivelled vegetation. The relentless sun and lack of rain had transformed the once vibrant plants into brittle, lifeless husks. Even the resilient cacti showed signs of stress, their fleshy pads reduced in size and their spines appearing duller. Life had been squeezed from the landscape by unrelenting drought.
• His hands, gnarled with age, were covered in shrivelled skin. The veins stood out prominently beneath the thin, dry surface, and small brown age spots dotted the back of his hands. They held a history of a life lived, seen, and weathered, a testament to the countless tasks and experiences they’d encountered across the decades.
• The balloon, left out in the cold overnight, was shrivelled and limp in the morning. The once inflated rubber had lost its resilience, deflating entirely and with it any vestige of its buoyant spirit. The surface of it showed evidence of a change in shape and texture, and it lay, now abandoned, forgotten, without the ability to bring joy or amusement.