From a tiny girl I loved words. I would roll them round my mouth and savour the flavour (still do) and then say them with expression. My mother encouraged me to act.
Somehow the word dessicated as in coconut appealed to me - the word and the taste of it. My dad promised me a whole packet to myself as soon as I could spell it! I was 4 at the time and managed it......all those ssss's and a hard c ending in a final d! Excellent word.
I marvel at your hunger for and enjoyment of, words.