noun

moisture

MOYS-cher/ˈmɔɪstʃər/

A small amount of water or other liquid in or on something.

Tiny beads of moisture remain inside the sponge's open pores.

A close-up of a lightly damp porous sponge, with tiny beads of water visibly held inside its open pores rather than a pool of liquid around it.
Etymology

Old French moistour named dampness or wetness as a condition. The selected English sense names the small amount of liquid responsible for that condition.

In context

WSCS Sheboygan57:39
this mulch layer this is gonna help retain moisture and keep the temperature more um so it doesn't fluctuate as fast
ROOTS 10032020

More examples

  • Mulch helps the soil retain moisture.
  • This lotion adds moisture to dry skin.
  • Moisture collects on the bathroom mirror during a hot shower.

Forms

moist adjective — Slightly wet, especially on the surface.

moisturize verb — To add or restore moisture to skin.

Similar words

dampness
Emphasizes a slightly wet condition rather than liquid itself.
humidity
Refers specifically to water vapor present in the air.