air drying

[/ɛr ˈdraɪɪŋ/]
noun/verb (gerund)
secagem ao ar
1. The process of drying something by exposing it to air naturally without using heat or mechanical devices
Air drying your clothes helps save energy and extends their lifespan.
A secagem ao ar das roupas ajuda a economizar energia e prolonga sua vida útil.
2. Allowing paint, varnish, nail polish, or other coatings to dry through exposure to air rather than heat application
The artist preferred air drying the acrylic paint instead of using a heat gun.
A artista preferiu fazer a secagem ao ar da tinta acrílica em vez de usar um secador de calor.
3. In hair care, allowing hair to dry naturally without using a blow dryer
Air drying your hair can reduce frizz and damage from heat styling.
Deixar o cabelo secar ao ar natural pode reduzir o frizz e danos causados pelo calor.
Air drying is increasingly popular in environmentally conscious communities in both Brazil and the USA as a sustainable alternative to energy-intensive mechanical drying. In Brazil, clothesline drying remains a traditional and common practice due to climate and economic factors. The trend has gained momentum in hair care communities, particularly among people with textured or natural hair who seek to minimize heat damage.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
natural dryingline dryingpassive dryinghang drying
Antonyms / Antônimos
heat dryingmachine dryingblow dryingoven drying

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
secagem ao ar
Most common and standard usage
General Brazilian
secar no ar
Verb form used colloquially
São Paulo
secagem natural
Alternative term emphasizing natural process
Portugal
secagem ao ar
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; also 'secar ao ar'

Related Words

clotheslineventilationhumidityevaporationmoisturedehydration

Related Idioms & Phrases

hang out to dry
dry as a bone
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