hygroscopic

[hahy-gruh-skop-ik]

adjective

absorbing or attracting moisture from the air.

Origin of hygroscopic

First recorded in 1765–75; hygroscope + -ic

Related formshy·gro·scop·i·cal·ly, adverbhy·gro·sco·pic·i·ty

[hahy-gruh-skoh-pis-i-tee] /ˌhaɪ grə skoʊˈpɪs ɪ ti/, nounnon·hy·gro·scop·ic, adjectivenon·hy·gro·scop·i·cal·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for hygroscopic

Historical Examples of hygroscopic

The phloroglucide is hygroscopic, and must be weighed out of contact with the air.
Researches on Cellulose
C. F. Cross
The hygroscopic moisture of the product is lowered from 10-11 p.ct.
Researches on Cellulose
C. F. Cross
The author has used hydroscopic in place of hygroscopic throughout.
Jaros Hygienic Wear
I. Jaros
This combination is hygroscopic, anodyne and antiseptic and is easily applied.
Lameness of the Horse
John Victor Lacroix
When fresh they contain considerable water, and at all times are hygroscopic.
A System of Practical Medicine By American Authors, Vol. II
Various

British Dictionary definitions for hygroscopic

hygroscopic

adjective

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

Derived Formshygroscopically, adverbhygroscopicity (ˌhaɪɡrəskəʊˈpɪsɪtɪ), noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for hygroscopic

adj.

1775, from hygroscope (1660s), from hygro- + -scope.

hygroscopic in Medicine