To break up clumped particles in a liquid so they remain suspended individually rather than settling together.
From 'de-' (reverse) + 'flocculate' (to form floc or clumps). This chemistry verb developed as scientists studied colloid chemistry in the early 1900s.
When clumsy lab techs accidentally shake a bucket of clay slurry, they deflocculate it—which is why slurries can suddenly flow completely differently. This is so important in ceramic and construction industries that entire factories are designed around controlling deflocculation.
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