hydrocolloid

noun

hy·​dro·​col·​loid ˌhī-drə-ˈkä-ˌlȯid 

: a substance that yields a gel with water

hydrocolloidal

ˌhī-drə-kə-ˈlȯi-dᵊl 

-kä-

adjective

Examples of hydrocolloid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These hydrocolloid gel bandages seal the blister and provide cushioning against further friction, which will get your kids back in the mood to meet Minnie Mouse super fast. —Terri Peters, Parents, 6 Mar. 2026

Modernizing Core Capabilities The company’s roots span chemicals, hydrocolloids, gelatin, functional proteins, collagen peptides, technical textiles, chemicals, marine, insurance and real estate. —Jon Stojan, USA Today, 10 Dec. 2025

These clear hydrocolloid stickers draw out whitehead gunk and protect skin for faster healing—all while staying virtually invisible on your skin. —Lily Wohlner, Allure, 2 Dec. 2025

As the patch absorbs excess fluid, the hydrocolloid material that the patch is made of can react to it, turning white in some cases. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 9 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hydrocolloid

• amygdaloid
• colloid

Medical Definition

hydrocolloid

noun

hy·​dro·​col·​loid -ˈkäl-ˌȯid 

: any of several substances that yield gels with water (as alginic acid salts, agar, carrageenan, and related polysaccharide gums) and that are used especially as protective colloids and as impression materials in dentistry

hydrocolloidal

-kə-ˈlȯid-ᵊl, -kä- 

adjective