*freeze-drie*

adj. dried by freezing and applying a vacuum; -- used of tissue or blood or serum or other biological substances. This technique is gentler than other drying techniques and caused less damage or deterioration to sensitive substances. It is used primarily as a method to preserve foods or substances, and permit storage without deterioration.
Syn. -- lyophilized, lyophilised. [ WordNet 1.5 +PJC ]