humectant

[ hyoo-mek-tuhntor, often, yoo- ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a substance that absorbs or helps another substance retain moisture, as glycerol.

adjective

moistening; diluting.
of or relating to a humectant or humectants.

humectant

/ hjuːˈmɛktənt /

adjective

producing moisture

noun

a substance added to another substance to keep it moist

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Word History and Origins

Origin of humectant¹

1650–60; < Latin hūmectant- (stem of ( h ) ūmectāns ), present participle of ( h ) ūmectāre to moisten, equivalent to ( h ) ūmect ( us ) moist, damp ( humid ) + -ant- -ant

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Word History and Origins

Origin of humectant¹

C17: from Latin ūmectāre to wet, from ūmēre to be moist, from ūmor moisture; see humour

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Example Sentences

Humectant, hū-mek′tant, adj. pertaining to remedies supposed to increase the fluidity of the blood.

From Project Gutenberg

Hume Hume, David

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