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

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

Shaped like miniature stars and dots, the hydrocolloid bandages not only cover blemishes and remove the temptation for picking, but also enable the inflammation to heal faster. —Khanh T.l. Tran, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025

From hydrocolloid patches to neutralizing gels, few — at least in my experience — actually reduce redness, draw out gunk, and heal breakouts quickly. —Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 5 Aug. 2025

Plus, the pore strips of 2025 are a far cry from their Y2K predecessors, which tore off skin with a vengeance—evolution in the category has led to gentler hydrocolloid and biocellulose patches that are equally, if not more effective. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 24 July 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