Word
moisture
Phoneticsmois·ture, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈmɔɪstʃɝ/
UK/mˈɔɪstʃɐ/
Definitions
01liquid on a surface or in the air
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. a small amount of water or other liquid that makes something feel damp or wet.
n. water or other liquid diffused in a small quantity as vapour, within a solid, or condensed on a surface.
“The morning moisture on the grass soaked through my shoes as I walked.”
“The high levels of moisture in the basement eventually led to the growth of mould along the lower edges of the drywall.”
Usage
Usually uncountable; when used in the plural, it refers to different types or sources of liquid.
Antonyms
02skin condition
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Medicine Technical
n. the amount of liquid on your skin, which doctors check to see if you are healthy.
n. the state of the skin's surface regarding hydration or perspiration, evaluated during a clinical assessment.
“The nurse checked the patient's skin moisture to see if they were dehydrated.”
“During the primary survey, the paramedic noted that the patient's skin moisture was diaphoretic, suggesting a possible state of shock.”
Usage
Often used in clinical reports to describe skin as dry, moist, or clammy.
Teaching tip
This sense is specific to medical contexts; in everyday English, people usually just say 'sweat' or 'dry skin'.
Synonyms
Etymology
From Middle English moisture, from Old French moistour (“moisture, dampness, wetness”). Compare French moiteur.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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