hydriques

Hydriques is a French term used as an adjective and, in some contexts, as a noun to describe phenomena, substances, or environments that are related to water. The plural form hydriques is applied when referring to multiple items or categories. In practice, the term appears across disciplines such as chemistry, geology, ecology, and environmental science, where it signals water content, water association, or saturation.

In chemistry and mineralogy, hydriques commonly describes substances that contain water as part of their structure. These are typically referred to in English as hydrates, where water molecules are incorporated into a mineral’s crystal lattice or bound within a compound. Hydric conditions can affect properties such as stability, reactivity, and phase behavior.

In soil science and ecology, the concept appears in phrases like soil hydrique or milieux hydriques, referring to soils or habitats that are saturated with water for extended periods. English equivalents include hydric soils and aquatic or water-saturated habitats. These conditions are important for understanding wetlands, plant communities, and the distribution of aquatic organisms.

Linguistic notes: hydriques is primarily used in French-language contexts. In English, the corresponding terms are hydric (describing water-related conditions), hydrated (describing compounds that contain bound water), or water-containing, depending on the context. The exact terminology can vary by discipline and region.

See also: Hydric, Hydration, Hydrate, Water content, Wetland.