humectant

[ hyoo-mek-tuhntor, often, yoo- ]

noun

1. a substance that absorbs or helps another substance retain moisture, as glycerol.

adjective

1. moistening; diluting.
2. of or relating to a humectant or humectants.

humectant

/ hjuːˈmɛktənt /

adjective

1. producing moisture

noun

1. a substance added to another substance to keep it moist

Word History and Origins

Origin of humectant¹

1650–60; < Latin hūmectant- (stem of ( h ) ūmectāns ), present participle of ( h ) ūmectāre to moisten, equivalent to ( h ) ūmect ( us ) moist, damp ( humid ) + -ant- -ant

Word History and Origins

Origin of humectant¹

C17: from Latin ūmectāre to wet, from ūmēre to be moist, from ūmor moisture; see humour

Example Sentences

Humectant, hū-mek′tant, adj. pertaining to remedies supposed to increase the fluidity of the blood.

From Project Gutenberg