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