moistener

1 6.2

A small tool that makes paper and fabric slightly wet for closing envelopes or ironing

noun
/ˈmɔɪstənər/

: humectador

She applied a moistener to the envelope to ensure a good seal.

Examples

She bought a new moistener for her sewing projects.
The moistener is essential for perfecting the fabric.
He refilled the moistener to prepare the clothes for ironing.
Most office supply stores carry a moistener for envelopes and stamps.
The letter was sealed automatically by a moistener built into the machine.
For the best results, use a moistener when ironing to prevent fabric from burning.
A fingertip moistener is helpful for handling paper without tearing it.

Synonyms

humidifier

vsmoistener

10 4.0

A machine that adds water to the air to make it less dry

is for small local wetting rather than making large indoor spaces moist

dampener

vsmoistener

1 6.1

A small device used to make something slightly wet or to reduce vibration

is used for small targeted wetting like sealing envelopes or ironing

hydrator

vsmoistener

1 3.9

A device or substance that adds moisture to air, skin and plants

is narrower, focusing on slight dampening for specific tasks

Antonyms

dehumidifier

3 4.6

A machine that removes water from indoor air to make rooms drier

Surface Forms

moistener singular

moisteners plural

Morphology

moistener = moisten (transparent) = moist + en + er

Built from the verb 'moisten' + the agent/device suffix '-er'; the meaning (a device or person that makes things moist) is directly predictable.

Etymology

The word moistener is built from moist ('slightly wet') plus the ending -er meaning 'a thing that does something', like cleaner or heater. So a moistener is a device that makes things slightly wet, which is why we use it for ironing or sealing envelopes.