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

The non-drying, see-through patches are packed with hydrocolloids to draw out gunk from your blemishes and keep you from picking, pinching, and making every aspect of your breakout 100 times worse. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 21 Apr. 2025

This is likely due to efforts by manufacturers to address fiber deficiencies by using ingredients such as pseudo-cereals, such as amaranth and quinoa hydrocolloids – meaning water-soluble macromolecules used in gluten-free baked goods made with quinoa flour. —Sachin Rustgi, The Conversation, 18 Feb. 2025

Inside the refillable compact with a mirror are 32 pimple patches with hydrocolloid and salicylic acid to unclog pores and shrink spots. —Ashley Davis, WWD, 2 Dec. 2024

Instead, go for plain hydrocolloid or look for soothing ingredients like aloe and chamomile. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 23 July 2024

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