hygroscopic adjective. [hʌɪgrǝ(ʊ)'skɒpɪk] L18.
[from (the same root as) prec. + -IC.]
1. Of a substance: tending to absorb moisture from the air. L18.
2. Pertaining to humidity or its detection. L18.
3. Of water: present as moisture in soil as a result of humidity in the air to which it is exposed. M19.

■ hygroscopical adjective L18.

■ hygroscopically adverb E19.

■ hygroscopicity [,hʌɪgrǝ(ʊ)skɒ'pɪsɪti] noun hygroscopic quality; the property of a substance of retaining moisture: M19.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲