Definitions for humectanthyuˈmɛk tənt; often yu-

This page provides all possible meanings and translations of the word humectant

Princeton's WordNet

  1. humectant(noun)

    any substance that is added to another substance to keep it moist


  1. humectant(Noun)

    any substance that promotes the retention of water, especially one used to keep a food product moist

Webster Dictionary

  1. Humectant(adj)


  2. Humectant(noun)

    a diluent drink or medicine

  3. Origin: [L. humectans, p. pr.]


  1. Humectant

    A humectant is a hygroscopic substance used to keep things moist; it is the opposite of a desiccant. It is often a molecule with several hydrophilic groups, most often hydroxyl groups; however, amines and carboxyl groups, sometimes esterified, can be encountered as well. They are used in many products including food, cosmetics, medicines, and pesticides. A humectant attracts and retains the moisture in the air nearby via absorption, drawing the water vapor into and/or beneath the organism/object's surface. By contrast, desiccants also attract ambient moisture, but adsorb—not absorb—it, by condensing the water vapor onto the surface, as a layer of film. When used as a food additive, a humectant has the effect of keeping the foodstuff moist. Humectants are sometimes used as a component of antistatic coatings for plastics. In pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, humectants can be used in topical dosage forms to increase the solubility of a chemical compound's active ingredient, increasing the active ingredients' ability to penetrate skin, and/or its activity time. This hydrating property can also be needed to counteract a dehydrating active ingredient.

Chambers 20th Century Dictionary

  1. Humectant

    hū-mek′tant, adj. pertaining to remedies supposed to increase the fluidity of the blood.—vs.t. Humect′, Humec′tate, to moisten.—n. Humectā′tion.—adj. Humec′tive, having the power to moisten.—v.t. Hū′mefy, to make moist. [L. humectanshumēre, to be moist.]


  1. Chaldean Numerology

    The numerical value of humectant in Chaldean Numerology is: 1

  2. Pythagorean Numerology

    The numerical value of humectant in Pythagorean Numerology is: 6

Sample Sentences & Example Usage

  1. Erika Katz:

    Brown sugar is great because it's the perfect exfoliant and it's really gentle on your skin. The oil is going to moisturize your skin and the honey, which is an all-natural humectant, helps attract and retain skin moisture.

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Translations for humectant

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