hygroscopic

[ hahy-gruh-skop-ik ]

adjective

1. absorbing or attracting moisture from the air.

hygroscopic

/ ˌhaɪɡrəˈskɒpɪk; ˌhaɪɡrəskəʊˈpɪsɪtɪ /

adjective

1. (of a substance) tending to absorb water from the air

hygroscopic

/ hī′grə-skŏp′ĭk /

1. Relating to a compound that easily absorbs moisture from the atmosphere.

Derived Forms

• ˌhygroˈscopically, adverb
• ˌhygroscoˈpicity, noun

Other Words From

• hygro·scopi·cal·ly adverb
• hy·gro·sco·pic·i·ty [hahy-gr, uh, -skoh-, pis, -i-tee], noun
• nonhy·gro·scopic adjective
• nonhy·gro·scopi·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of hygroscopic¹

First recorded in 1765–75; hygroscope + -ic

Example Sentences

This combination is hygroscopic, anodyne and antiseptic and is easily applied.

From Project Gutenberg

It should be ignited and cooled out of contact with air just before using, since it is hygroscopic.

From Project Gutenberg

The chaff and awns of all are hygroscopic; that is, are changed by differences caused by variation of moisture in the air.

From Project Gutenberg

In this device, a thin strip of hygroscopic material (as a piece of goose quill) is formed into a spiral coil.

From Project Gutenberg

Now, these styles are hygroscopic—that is, they are influenced by changes in the condition of the atmosphere as regards moisture.

From Project Gutenberg