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

Effective, but not prescribed much anymore since the invention of hydrocolloid bandages. — Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026

Cofounder Jihye Shin said the product grew out of customers using the brand’s original hydrocolloid bandages on bug bites. — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 21 July 2026

Bieber headlined Coachella both weekends, while Hailey, 29, hosted a Rhode activation event during the festival shortly after collaborating with her husband on the brand's new hydrocolloid pimple stickers. — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 25 Apr. 2026

The hydrocolloid keeps the blister contained in a wet environment and also releases an active gel that absorbs fluid from the blister—all while keeping the wound cushioned from further harm. — Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Apr. 2026

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