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humectant

Syllabification: (hu·mec·tant)

Pronunciation: /(h)yo͞oˈmektənt/

Definition of humectant

adjective

retaining or preserving moisture.

noun

a substance, especially a skin lotion or a food additive, used to reduce the loss of moisture.

Origin:

early 19th century (denoting a moistening agent): from Latin humectant- 'moistening', from the verb humectare, from humectus 'moist, wet', from humere 'be moist'