Pronunciation: [ʃɹˈɪvəlɪŋ] (IPA) 
The word "Shriveling" is spelled with a "v" even though the pronunciation sounds like it should be spelled with a "b." The reason for this is due to a phenomenon known as voicing assimilation. The initial "sh" sound is voiceless, and when followed by a voiced sound, such as "b," the "sh" sound becomes voiced as well. However, the spelling remains the same. The IPA transcription for "Shriveling" is /ˈʃrɪvəlɪŋ/.
Shriveling is a process characterized by the gradual and progressive reduction in size, volume, or vitality of an object, substance, or living entity. It refers to the act or state of becoming smaller, thinner, or less substantial through the loss of moisture, energy, or material composition.
In the context of organic matter, such as plants or fruits, shriveling occurs when the internal water content diminishes due to evaporation or dehydration. This leads to a contraction in size, wrinkling of the surface, and a loss of turgidity. As moisture is drawn out, the cells lose their rigidity and become less firm, resulting in a withered appearance.
Shriveling can also pertain to the physical deterioration of non-organic materials over time. For example, certain fabrics or textiles may shrink and wrinkle due to exposure to heat, sunlight, or aging. Additionally, the process of shrinkage and contraction observed in certain fruits, vegetables, or food products during cooking or drying can also be referred to as shriveling.
Metaphorically, shriveling can be used to describe the diminishing or weakening of an entity, such as a relationship, ambition, or organization. It signifies a loss of vigor, vitality, or usefulness, as any form of decline or degeneration.
Overall, shriveling encompasses the notion of deterioration, contraction, and the loss of vitality or substance in a wide range of contexts, including biological, physical, and metaphorical realms.
Kraurosis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "shriveling" is derived from the Middle English word "schryvelen" which means to contract or wrinkle. This Middle English term is further derived from the Old English word "scriðan" meaning to shrivel or flinch. The Old English word is related to the Old Norse word "skriða" which has a similar meaning. Ultimately, the origin of this word can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "skrīthaną" meaning to creep or crawl.
