hygroscopic

adjective hy·gro·scop·ic \ˌhī-grə-ˈskä-pik\

Definition of HYGROSCOPIC

: readily taking up and retaining moisture

: taken up and retained under some conditions of humidity and temperature <hygroscopic water in clay>

— hy·gro·scop·ic·i·ty \-(ˌ)skä-ˈpi-sə-tē\ noun

hygroscope, an instrument showing changes in humidity + ¹-ic; from the use of such materials in the hygroscope

First Known Use: 1790

Medical Dictionary

adjective hy·gro·scop·ic \ˌhī-grə-ˈskäp-ik\

: readily taking up and retaining moisture <glycerol is hygroscopic>

—hy·gro·scop·ic·i·ty \-(ˌ)skäp-ˈis-ət-ē\ noun, plural hy·gro·scop·ic·i·ties

Next Word in the Dictionary: hygroscopic cellPrevious Word in the Dictionary: hygrophyteAll Words Near: hygroscopic

What made you want to look up hygroscopic? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears