Humidifying: meaning, definitions and examples

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humidifying

 

[ hjuːˈmɪdɪfaɪɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

environmental control

Humidifying refers to the process of adding moisture to the air in a particular environment. This is often done to improve comfort, preserve certain materials, and enhance air quality.

Synonyms

dampening, moistening, wetting

Examples of usage

  • The humidifying system in the building maintains optimal air moisture levels.
  • He used a humidifier for humidifying the dry air during the winter.
  • Humidifying the room helps in alleviating symptoms of dryness and irritation.

Etymology

The term 'humidifying' is derived from the word 'humid', which comes from the Latin word 'humidus', meaning 'moist' or 'damp'. The prefix 'humidi-' relates to the presence of moisture. The act of humidifying became more recognized with the development of modern heating and air conditioning systems, where maintaining indoor air quality has gained importance. Hydration of the air became essential in various applications, including keeping wood furnishings from drying out and providing comfort in arid climates. As awareness of health issues related to dry air grew, the term 'humidifying' has come to denote not just the act of adding moisture, but also a range of products designed to achieve this outcome.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,803, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.