moisten

Everyday

1. To make something slightly wet: «moisten the cloth». tree →
2. To become slightly wet: «her eyes moistened». tree →

In the lessons

In cooking, recipes say «moisten the flour with a little water». In art, you moisten paper or a paintbrush. In science, seeds need moistened soil to germinate. In stories, «her eyes moistened» shows a character is close to tears. Phrases: «moisten the edges», «moisten with water», «eyes moistened».

Examples

• Moisten the edges of the pastry so they stick. tree →
• Moisten the sponge before wiping the board. tree →
• Seeds sprout in moistened cotton wool. tree →
• Grandpa's eyes moistened as he read the letter. tree →
• Moisten the stamp to stick it on – or use a self-stick stamp. tree →
• Use a damp cloth to moisten the clay. tree →
• Moisten the soil, but don't flood it. tree →
• The frog moistens its skin in the pond. tree →
• "Moisten my tongue--bring me a refreshing draught." tree →

Note

Regular verb: moistened. The «t» is silent: «MOY-sen». Related: moist (slightly wet), moisture. Not a maths word.

In Jewish tradition

It means to wet, and here it describes the healthy body of a wealthy man.

Interpretation. Job's words are read as his puzzle over why the wicked seem to prosper. His friends and Job argue about justice.

Examples

• His pails are full of milk, and the marrow of his bones is moistened. (Writings JOB.21.24, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Regular verb: moistened. The «t» is silent: «MOY-sen». Related: moist (slightly wet), moisture. Not a maths word.