Main Entry:

hy·gro·scop·ic

Pronunciation:

\ˌhī-grə-ˈskä-pik\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

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

Date:

1790

1 : readily taking up and retaining moisture 2 : 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