hygroscopic

adjective

hy·​gro·​scop·​ic ˌhī-grə-ˈskä-pik How to pronounce hygroscopic (audio)
1
: readily taking up and retaining moisture
hygroscopic soils
2
: taken up and retained under some conditions of humidity and temperature
hygroscopic water in clay
hygroscopicity
ˌhī-grə-(ˌ)skä-ˈpi-sə-tē How to pronounce hygroscopic (audio)
noun

Examples of hygroscopic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Unfortunately, nylon is a hygroscopic material that absorbs moisture (antifreeze) into those plastic parts. — Hartford Courant, 24 May 2026 LiCl is a highly hygroscopic salt that efficiently absorbs and releases water. — Etiido Uko march 04, New Atlas, 4 Mar. 2026 Thanks to industry innovation, modern formulas are switching things up, substituting hygroscopic ingredients with moisture-retaining alternatives like sugars or proteins for tousled waves without the crunch. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 1 May 2025 These won’t cause any skin irritation and are hygroscopic, anti-static, ventilated, and comfortable to lay on. — Chris Hachey, BGR, 17 Mar. 2021 This droplet is formed by the condensation of water on the spore surface stimulated by the secretion of mannitol and other hygroscopic sugars. — Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 12 Nov. 2015

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hygroscopic was in 1790

Rhymes for hygroscopic

See All Rhymes for hygroscopic

Browse Nearby Words

hygrophyte
hygroscopic
hygroscopic cell
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Cite this Entry

“Hygroscopic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hygroscopic. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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Medical Definition

hygroscopic

adjective
hy·​gro·​scop·​ic ˌhī-grə-ˈskäp-ik How to pronounce hygroscopic (audio)
: readily taking up and retaining moisture
glycerol is hygroscopic
hygroscopicity
-(ˌ)skäp-ˈis-ət-ē How to pronounce hygroscopic (audio)
noun
plural hygroscopicities
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