What does "moisture" mean?

1. (liquid on a surface or in the air) a small amount of water or other liquid that makes something feel damp or wet. 2. (skin condition) the amount of liquid on your skin, which doctors check to see if you are healthy.

How do you use "moisture"?

Usually uncountable; when used in the plural, it refers to different types or sources of liquid. Often used in clinical reports to describe skin as dry, moist, or clammy.

moisture

US //ˈmɔɪstʃɝ// UK //mˈɔɪstʃɐ// mois·ture

1 liquid on a surface or in the air (n.)
B1 Intermediate

a small amount of water or other liquid that makes something feel damp or wet.

water or other liquid diffused in a small quantity as vapour, within a solid, or condensed on a surface.

Example

The morning moisture on the grass soaked through my shoes as I walked.

Example

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.
- dampness
- humidity
- wetness
- dryness
- aridity
2 skin condition (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Medicine

the amount of liquid on your skin, which doctors check to see if you are healthy.

the state of the skin's surface regarding hydration or perspiration, evaluated during a clinical assessment.

Example

The nurse checked the patient's skin moisture to see if they were dehydrated.

Example

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.

Teacher's tip

This sense is specific to medical contexts; in everyday English, people usually just say 'sweat' or 'dry skin'.
- perspiration
- hydration

Origin

From Middle English moisture, from Old French moistour (“moisture, dampness, wetness”). Compare French moiteur.