hygroscopic

From French hygroscopique.

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hygroscopic (comparative more hygroscopic, superlative most hygroscopic)

1. (physical chemistry, botany) Readily taking up and retaining water, especially from the atmosphere.
   • 1966, E. Yale Dawson, Seashore Plants of Southern Califonria, 3rd printing, Berkley: University of California Press, published 1975, →ISBN, →LCCN, pages 23–24:

     The tissues of Ralfsia are dense and the cells are extremely hygroscopic. The plants may become almost crisp dry in the sun, yet remain alive and continue growth with the first splash of the incoming tide.

   • 1930, Experiment Station Record - Volume 63, page 582:

     All fertilizers tested are drillable at relative humidities below 50 per cent, but no fertilizer remains drillable when exposed to a humidity above its hygroscopic point.

• anhygroscopic

• hygroscopy
• hygroscopicity
• hygroscope
• hygroscopically