Definition of: decrepitate

(di·krep′ə·tāt) v. ·tat·ed, ·tat·ing v.t.
To heat (salt, minerals, etc.) so as to cause to crepitate or crackle.
—v.i. To crackle when heated, as salt. [<NL decrepitatus, pp. of decrepitare <de- completely + crepitare, freq. of crepare creak]