dryness
UK: ˈdraɪnəs | US: ˈdraɪnəs
n. the state or quality of being dry; lack of moisture
n. (figurative) dullness or lack of emotional expression
The word "dryness" combines the Old English root "dry" (derived from Proto-Germanic *drūgiz, meaning "free from liquid") with the suffix "-ness," which originated in Old English "-nes" to form abstract nouns denoting a state or condition. The morpheme "dry" has retained its core meaning over centuries, while "-ness" systematically converts adjectives into nouns (e.g., "darkness," "softness"). This pairing logically extends the adjective "dry" into a measurable or observable condition.
The dryness of the desert air made her skin crack.
His speech lacked emotion, its dryness boring the audience.
Scientists measure soil dryness to predict wildfire risks.
The dryness of the wine complemented the rich cheese.
Her eyes stung from the dryness caused by prolonged screen time.