anhydrous

adjective

an·​hy·​drous (ˌ)an-ˈhī-drəs 

: free from water and especially water of crystallization

Examples of anhydrous in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Experts say cold storage warehouses present unique risks because many rely on anhydrous ammonia refrigeration systems. — Josh Boswell, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026

However, environmental experts said 14,000 pounds of flammable anhydrous ammonia were stored in tanks and used as refrigerant at the Lineage warehouse and posed a significant risk of explosion until it was removed days into the fire. — Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026

This public company with $7 billion in sales last year is a leading global supplier of anhydrous ammonia, a building block of nitrogen fertilizers. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026

The research consortium is thus breaking new scientific ground with anhydrous electrolytes based on ionic liquids and organic solvents. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 4 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

probably borrowed from French anhydre "waterless" (borrowed from Greek ánydros, from an- an- + -ydros, form in combination of hydat-, hýdōr "water") + -ous — more at water entry 1

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for anhydrous

• hydrous

Kids Definition

anhydrous

adjective

an·​hy·​drous (ˈ)an-ˈhī-drəs 

: free from water

Medical Definition

anhydrous

adjective

an·​hy·​drous (ˈ)an-ˈhī-drəs 

: free from water and especially water that is chemically combined in a crystalline substance

anhydrous ammonia