hygroscopic
hy-gruh-SKOP-ik
/ˌhaɪ.ɡrəˈskɒp.ɪk/
(Of a substance) tending to absorb moisture from the air.
In baking, sugar and salt are hygroscopic, which helps keep cakes moist but can make crackers soggy.
The story behind the word. The word is built from the Greek 'hygros' (wet/moist) and 'skopein' (to look at or observe). It originally referred to instruments that 'observed' moisture in the air, but now describes the substances themselves that 'seek out' that moisture.
Word relationships
- water-attracting: A simpler, non-technical description of the same property.
- hydrophobic: Tending to repel or fail to mix with water.
Commonly confused with
- absorbent: Absorbent materials take in liquid; hygroscopic materials pull water vapor from the air.
Word family
- hygroscopicity (noun): The degree to which a substance is hygroscopic.
Collocations
- highly hygroscopic
- hygroscopic nature
- hygroscopic properties
Example sentences
- "Honey is highly hygroscopic, which is why it can be used to keep baked goods moist for longer periods." A scientific explanation of honey.
- "Because sugar is hygroscopic, making hard candy on a humid day can result in a sticky, unmanageable mess." Troubleshooting sticky candy.
Memory hook
'Hygro' sounds like 'Hydro' (water); it 'scopes' out the water. Hygroscopic: seeking out moisture.
When not to use
Do not use for substances that simply 'get wet'; it must be an active attraction of water vapor.
Fun facts
- Brown sugar is more hygroscopic than white sugar because of the molasses content.
- Silica gel packets in shoe boxes are there because they are extremely hygroscopic.
Related words
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