hygroscopic

[ hahy-gruh-skop-ik ]

adjective

1. absorbing or attracting moisture from the air.

hygroscopic

/ ˌhaɪɡrəskəʊˈpɪsɪtɪ; ˌhaɪɡrəˈskɒpɪk /

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

The second is a desiccant-based system which uses hygroscopic materials to absorb moisture from the air, then release it through a heating process, he says.

From BBC

As if this weren’t enough torment, the wood you’re using outdoors is hygroscopic.

From Seattle Times

While wood has many positive attributes, it also has one negative quality that can cause homeowners enormous frustration and expense — wood happens to be hygroscopic.

From Seattle Times

That may sound unusual, but prunes are high in hygroscopic sorbitol and fructose, which - along with salt and soy sauce - amplify the way the meat absorbs flavor.

From Washington Times

This hygroscopic gel was simple and inexpensive to prepare and would consequently be suitable for large-scale preparation.

From Science Daily