Moisten

Moisten is a verb meaning to make something damp or slightly wet; to add moisture to a substance or surface. The action implies introducing enough moisture to achieve a desired effect without soaking.

Common contexts include cooking, gardening, construction, medicine, and crafts. In cooking, moisture helps with bonding or texture, such as moistened bread crumbs or dough. In gardening, soil moisture supports germination and growth. In construction, dampening materials controls dust, aids mixing, or improves workability. In medicine, moisture is applied to wounds or mucous membranes. In crafts, brushes or papers are moistened to release paint or facilitate handling. Excess moisture can cause damage, mold, or spoilage.

Etymology: Moisten derives from the adjective moist, with the suffix -en that forms verbs meaning to cause to become. The form is attested in Middle English as moisten.

See also: moisture, dampness, humidification, damp.