moist
moist Lexical Profile
moist Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Slightly wet, damp, or infused with a small amount of liquid, often in a pleasant, fresh, or desirable way.
"Adding sour cream to the batter ensures that the chocolate cake remains tender and moist for days."
Characterized by high humidity, mist, or frequent rainfall (of air, wind, climate, or a geographical region).
"Ferns and mosses thrive in the cool, moist climate of the Pacific Northwest."
Slightly tearful or glistening with tears (especially of the eyes).
"Her eyes grew moist with gratitude as she listened to the heartfelt tribute from her colleagues."
Word Nuance & Usage
Unlike 'damp,' which often implies unpleasant or undesirable wetness (as in damp clothes or a damp cellar), 'moist' generally describes a slight, favorable, or natural level of wetness, such as in rich soil or baked goods. However, the word is also a well-documented subject of lexical aversion for some speakers when applied outside of culinary or meteorological contexts.
• Rhymes for moist
Word Origin & Etymology
Middle English, borrowed from Old French moiste ('damp, wet, fresh'), probably derived from Vulgar Latin *muscidus ('moldy, musty'), from Latin mucidus ('moldy, slimy'), blended with Latin musteus ('new, fresh, like new wine').