hydrogel

noun

hy·​dro·​gel ˈhī-drə-ˌjel How to pronounce hydrogel (audio)
: a gel composed usually of one or more polymers suspended in water

Examples of hydrogel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Rather than hydrogel material that’s soaked in a formula of active ingredients, Dieux’s under-eye patches work in tandem with your favorite eye cream or serum. Claire Sullivan, WWD, 24 Mar. 2025 In addition to protecting astronauts, the European Space Agency (ESA) foresees further uses for hydrogel in space. Julian Dossett, Space.com, 18 Feb. 2025 The patch can pull sweat along for several hours with the hydrogel swelling only 2 to 3 millimeters, enlarging it to hundreds of times its original volume. IEEE Spectrum, 22 Oct. 2014 Skin’s self-healing properties are partially behind the inspiration for new hydrogel research. Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hydrogel

Word History

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hydrogel was in 1864

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hydrogel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydrogel. Accessed 9 Apr. 2025.

Medical Definition

hydrogel

noun
hy·​dro·​gel ˈhī-drə-ˌjel How to pronounce hydrogel (audio)
: a gel in which the liquid is water
a silicone hydrogel used to make soft contact lenses
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!