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Humidity: meaning, definitions and examples

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humidity

 

[hjuːˈmɪdɪti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

weather

The amount of water vapor present in the air.

Synonyms

dampness, moisture level.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
humidity

Use 'humidity' when referring to the amount of water vapor in the air, often in weather reports or discussions about climate.

  • The humidity is really high today, making it feel much hotter.
  • Can you feel the humidity? It's making my hair frizzy.
moisture level

Refer to 'moisture level' when discussing the amount of water content in materials or the environment, often in technical or scientific discussions.

  • The soil's moisture level is perfect for planting these seeds.
  • We need to monitor the moisture level of the wood before construction.
dampness

This word is best used when describing something slightly wet, often in the context of an unpleasant or unwanted wetness, like in a basement or clothing.

  • I need to dry my clothes; the dampness from the rain has left them uncomfortable to wear.
  • We need to fix that leak to avoid dampness in the walls.

Examples of usage

  • High humidity can make the air feel sticky and uncomfortable.
  • Low humidity can lead to dry skin and respiratory problems.
Context #2 | Noun

science

A measure of the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere.

Synonyms

moisture content, water vapor concentration.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
humidity

Commonly used in weather forecasts and household contexts to describe how much water vapor is in the air. It's often used in discussions about comfort levels, weather changes, and indoor conditions.

  • The humidity is very high today; it feels quite sticky outside.
  • You should use a dehumidifier in your basement to control the humidity.
moisture content

Often used in scientific, agricultural, or industrial settings to precisely measure the amount of water present in materials, soil, or food products.

  • The moisture content of the soil needs to be checked before planting crops.
  • High moisture content in the wood can lead to warping and damage.
water vapor concentration

Used in scientific and technical contexts to discuss the precise measurement of water vapor present in the air, often in terms of volume or percentage. It's less common in everyday conversations.

  • The water vapor concentration in the atmosphere affects cloud formation and weather patterns.
  • Scientists measure the water vapor concentration to study climate change.

Examples of usage

  • Scientists use various instruments to measure humidity levels in the air.
  • Humidity plays a crucial role in weather forecasting.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Humidity is measured in percentage, indicating how much moisture the air holds compared to how much it could hold at a given temperature.
  • High humidity levels can lead to a variety of weather conditions, including thunderstorms and fog.
  • The concept of humidity is crucial in meteorology, helping scientists predict weather patterns and climate changes.

Health

  • Excessively high humidity can cause discomfort, potentially leading to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
  • Humidity plays a significant role in respiratory health; high levels can exacerbate conditions like asthma and allergies.
  • Many people use humidifiers to add moisture to dry indoor air, especially during winter months when heating systems can dry out the environment.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In tropical climates, high humidity is a normal part of life, influencing everything from architecture to daily routines.
  • Cultural practices, such as wearing loose clothing, have emerged in regions with high humidity to promote comfort and airflow.
  • Dance and music styles in humid regions often reflect a lively and fluid nature, inspired by the wet and warm environment.

Technology

  • Meteorological technologies, like hygrometers, measure humidity and help us understand weather phenomena.
  • In agriculture, humidity monitors are essential for determining the best conditions for planting and harvesting crops.
  • Smart home technology can now control humidity levels automatically to maintain a comfortable indoor environment.

History

  • Ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians, understood the importance of humidity for preserving food and mummification processes.
  • The development of air conditioning in the 20th century revolutionized urban living by effectively controlling humidity levels indoors.
  • Research on humidity’s effects dates back centuries, influencing studies in biology, medicine, and thermodynamics.

Translations

Translations of the word "humidity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 umidade

🇮🇳 नमी

🇩🇪 Feuchtigkeit

🇮🇩 kelembaban

🇺🇦 вологість

🇵🇱 wilgotność

🇯🇵 湿度

🇫🇷 humidité

🇪🇸 humedad

🇹🇷 nem

🇰🇷 습도

🇸🇦 رطوبة

🇨🇿 vlhkost

🇸🇰 vlhkosť

🇨🇳 湿度

🇸🇮 vlažnost

🇮🇸 raki

🇰🇿 ылғалдылық

🇬🇪 ტენიანობა

🇦🇿 rütubət

🇲🇽 humedad

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,858 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.