hydrocolloid

noun

hy·​dro·​col·​loid ˌhī-drə-ˈkä-ˌlȯid 

: a substance that yields a gel with water

hydrocolloidal

ˌhī-drə-kə-ˈlȯi-dᵊl 

-kä-

adjective

Examples of hydrocolloid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Inside the refillable compact with a mirror are 32 pimple patches with hydrocolloid and salicylic acid to unclog pores and shrink spots. —Ashley Davis, WWD, 2 Dec. 2024

Instead, go for plain hydrocolloid or look for soothing ingredients like aloe and chamomile. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 23 July 2024

These pimple patches have 36 patches that are UV sterilized, made with medical-grade hydrocolloid, and can withstand a whole night of tossing, turning, and pillow-squishing. —Meaghan Kenny, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 July 2024

With more than 103,000 5-star ratings on Amazon, this tiny but mighty (pun intended) patch works quickly using hydrocolloid — an adhesive gel that absorbs excess fluid from the skin — to remove oils, pus, and sebum from acne spots. —Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 9 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

hydrocolloid

noun

hy·​dro·​col·​loid -ˈkäl-ˌȯid 

: any of several substances that yield gels with water (as alginic acid salts, agar, carrageenan, and related polysaccharide gums) and that are used especially as protective colloids and as impression materials in dentistry

hydrocolloidal

-kə-ˈlȯid-ᵊl, -kä- 

adjective