It did begin that way, with the word hygroscope referring in the 1790s to measuring devices for humidity level. Unlike any other -scopy word, it no longer refers to a viewing or imaging mode. The word hygroscopy ( / h aɪ ˈ ɡ r ɒ s k ə p i/) uses combining forms of hygro- and -scopy. Biological evolution created hygroscopic solutions for water harvesting, filament tensile strength, bonding and passive motion- natural solutions being considered in future biomimetics. Hygroscopy is essential for many plant and animal species' attainment of hydration, nutrition, reproduction and/or seed dispersal. For example, a finely dispersed hygroscopic powder, such as a salt, may become clumpy over time due to collection of moisture from the surrounding environment.ĭeliquescent materials are sufficiently hygroscopic that they absorb so much water that they become liquid and form an aqueous solution. If water molecules become suspended among the substance's molecules, adsorbing substances can become physically changed, e.g., changing in volume, boiling point, viscosity or some other physical characteristic or property of the substance. Hygroscopy is the phenomenon of attracting and holding water molecules via either absorption or adsorption from the surrounding environment, which is usually at normal or room temperature. For modern humidity-measuring instruments, see hygrometer. For the underwater optical device, see Hydroscope. This article is about a chemical property.

Does sugar absorb water