adj.
Pronunciation: ˌ h ī -gr ə - ' skä-pik
Function: adjective
Etymology: hygroscope, an instrument showing changes in humidity + 1 -ic; from the use of such materials in the hygroscope
Date: 1790
1 : readily taking up and retaining moisture
2 : taken up and retained under some conditions of humidity and temperature < hygroscopic water in clay>
– hy · gro · scop · ic · i · ty \ -( ˌ )skä- ' pi-s ə -t ē \ noun