humidity

[hyoo-mid-i-tee, yoo-]

noun

1. humid condition; moistness; dampness.

2. relative humidity.

3. an uncomfortably high amount of relative humidity.

   It's not the heat, it's the humidity that tires me out.

humidity

/ hjuːˈmɪdɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state of being humid; dampness

2. a measure of the amount of moisture in the air See relative humidity absolute humidity

humidity

1. The amount of water vapor in the atmosphere, usually expressed as either absolute humidity or relative humidity.

humidity

1. The amount of water vapor in the air. Humidity is measured in two ways: (1) Absolute humidity is the percentage of water vapor actually present in the air. (2) Relative humidity is the absolute humidity divided by the amount of water that could be present in the air. Relative humidity indicates the degree of comfort or discomfort one feels from the humidity, because it indicates the amount of perspiration that can evaporate from the skin.

Word History and Origins

Origin of humidity¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English humydite, from Latin (h)ūmiditās; equivalent to humid + -ity

Example Sentences

“With a low relative humidity and extreme temperatures, the fire environment will be capable of creating extreme fire behavior,” Cohen said.

From Los Angeles Times

Those conditions will be particularly challenging when combined with low relative humidity, little cooling at night and a dry landscape.

From Los Angeles Times

Those winds could be more concerning given otherwise hot and dry weather, with temperatures around the fire expected to reach into the low 90s Thursday, and relative humidity dropping to 20% or lower.

From Los Angeles Times

Travel writers praised the region’s moderate temperatures and lack of humidity — dry, but not too dry — and described its healthful effects as almost miraculous.

From Los Angeles Times

“Extreme heat and low humidity in our north county have created dangerous conditions where flames can spread with alarming speed,” Barger said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• evaporation 
• moisture 

When To Use

What does humidity mean?

Humidity is the state of air when it’s full of water vapor.Humidity is the noun form of the adjective humid, which is used to describe moist air—air that’s full of water vapor.Humidity is most commonly used in reference to weather or the general climate of a place, especially when the temperature is hot.Example: The humidity here in summertime is almost unbearable.