lembab

Lembab is an Indonesian adjective meaning moist or damp, typically used to describe air, surfaces, or environments with noticeable moisture. It is commonly used in everyday speech to refer to humid weather, such as udara yang lembab, or to damp conditions inside buildings, food, or objects.

In meteorology and daily life, lembab is closely associated with humidity. Humidity refers to the amount of water vapor in the air. Relative humidity expresses how much water vapor the air contains relative to the maximum it can hold at a given temperature. When humidity is high and air temperature falls, condensation can occur, leading to a damp or “lembab” feeling. Lembab environments can influence comfort, health, and material conditions.

High lembab levels can promote mold growth, unwanted odors, and corrosion in electronics or metal surfaces. They can also affect living conditions, causing discomfort, breathiness, or respiratory issues for some people. Conversely, very low humidity can cause dryness and static electricity. Therefore, indoor humidity management—through ventilation, dehumidification, and moisture control—is important for comfort and preservation of buildings, furnishings, and equipment.

In food and storage, moisture content is a key quality parameter. Foods with excessive moisture can spoil more quickly, while insufficient moisture can affect texture and safety. Packaging and storage strategies often aim to maintain appropriate moisture levels to preserve quality and extend shelf life.

Etymologically, lembab denotes a state of moisture and is contrasted with kering (dry). Related terms include kelembaban (humidity) and basah (wet).