descale

/ˌdiːˈskeɪl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌdiːˈskeɪl/ (ame, ipa) · /(ˌ)dē-ˈskāl/ (ame, mw)

descale — verb

  • descalepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • descaleshe / she / it
  • descaledpast simple
  • descaling-ing form

1. to clean away the chalky layer that water leaves behind inside equipment such as

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to clean away the chalky layer that water leaves behind inside equipment such as kettles, coffee machines, shower heads, or pipes

例句

Dario descaled the kettle after white marks appeared inside.

descale + appliance

The hotel engineer descaled the coffee machine before the breakfast rush.

descale + coffee machine

同義詞
  • clean

    Much broader; it does not specifically mean removing mineral build-up caused by water.

  • flush

    Often used for pipes or systems when liquid is run through them; it is narrower than descale for appliances.

  • scrub

    Focuses on rubbing a surface by hand rather than clearing water-related build-up from inside equipment.

文法句型

descale + appliance / pipe

descale with + liquid

用法筆記

The object is usually a kettle, coffee machine, boiler, pipe, or similar item affected by hard water. Instructions often mention the liquid used: descale with vinegar or with a descaling solution.

常見錯誤

❌I descaled the kettle from vinegar.
✅I descaled the kettle with vinegar.
💡Use with to name the liquid used for removing the build-up.

2. to scrape the small hard plates off a fish before cooking it or selling it

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to scrape the small hard plates off a fish before cooking it or selling it

例句

The chef descaled the trout before stuffing it with herbs.

descale + fish before cooking

Bao descaled the fish at the sink while Mira chopped onions nearby.

kitchen preparation scene

同義詞
  • scale

    The shorter everyday verb, especially common in recipes and fish markets.

  • scrape

    Describes the physical action, but it does not always imply removing all of the fish's scales.

文法句型

descale + fish

用法筆記

Used mainly in cooking and fish-selling contexts. The object is the fish itself; after descaling, people often gut, clean, or fillet it.

常見錯誤

❌Please descale the scales before cooking.
✅Please descale the fish before cooking.
💡Descale already means removing the fish's scales, so the object is the fish.