hygroscopic

[haɪɡrəˈskɑːpɪk]
adjective
higroscópico
1. having the ability to absorb or adsorb moisture from the air; readily absorbing moisture
Salt is hygroscopic and will clump in humid environments.
O sal é higroscópico e se aglomerará em ambientes úmidos.
2. of or relating to the measurement of atmospheric humidity
The hygroscopic properties of the material make it useful for humidity sensors.
As propriedades higroscópicas do material o tornam útil para sensores de umidade.
3. characterized by the tendency to absorb and retain moisture
Hygroscopic substances are often used in desiccants to remove moisture from enclosed spaces.
Substâncias higroscópicas são frequentemente usadas em dessecantes para remover umidade de espaços fechados.
This is primarily a technical and scientific term used in chemistry, materials science, and meteorology in both English-speaking countries and Brazil. It is not commonly used in everyday conversation but is essential vocabulary in academic and industrial contexts. The term is identical in both Portuguese variants and is understood in professional environments across the Portuguese-speaking world.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
moisture-absorbingwater-attractingdeliquescentabsorbent
Antonyms / Antônimos
hydrophobicnon-absorbentmoisture-resistant

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
higroscópico
standard term used in scientific and technical contexts
Portugal
higroscópico
identical to Brazilian Portuguese; used in scientific terminology
Technical/Scientific
absorvente de umidade
alternative descriptive phrase when technical precision is needed

Related Words

humiditymoisturedesiccantabsorptionadsorptionhygroscopydeliquescence

Related Idioms & Phrases

hygroscopic material
hygroscopic effect
hygroscopic moisture
hygroscopic equilibrium
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