hygroscope

9.9

A tool that shows changes in the amount of water in the air

noun
/ˈhaɪɡrəˌskoʊp/

Specialized

: higroscopio

The scientist used a hygroscope to measure the humidity levels in the greenhouse.

Examples

After calibrating the hygroscope, she was able to observe the changes in atmospheric moisture accurately.
To determine the weather conditions, the meteorologist checked the readings on his hygroscope.
The agitation of the beast and movements in the homemade hygroscope foreshadowed the arrival of the unwelcome wind.

Fiction book (1993)

Synonyms

hygrometer

vshygroscope

Specialized

1 7.7

A tool that measures how much moisture is in the air

detects and shows changes in humidity rather than only measuring a static level

hygrodeik

vshygroscope

Archaic

9.9

An instrument that measures moisture in the air using a wet thermometer and a dry thermometer

focuses on detecting and indicating humidity changes rather than using this specific method

psychrometer

vshygroscope

Specialized

9.9

A tool that measures how much water is in the air

shows changes in humidity over time rather than only giving periodic readings

humidistat

vshygroscope

Specialized

7.1

A tool that measures and controls how much water is in the air

only detects and indicates changes rather than actively controlling humidity levels

How Advanced

array

Specialized

152 6.9

sense organ

Specialized

4.8

sensor

898 3.4

detector

Specialized

189 3.5

hygroscope

Specialized

9.9

Surface Forms

hygroscope singular

hygroscopes plural

Morphology

hygroscope = hygro + scope

The term is compositionally built from forms meaning moisture and viewing instrument, but the scientific sense is specialized rather than fully obvious to an average learner.

Etymology

Hygroscope comes from Greek words hygro- 'moisture' and -scope 'to look', like in telescope and microscope. So a hygroscope is a tool that 'looks at' and shows changes in the moisture of the air.