1. a gel in which water is the dispersion medium, typically a network of polymer chains that can absorb and retain large amounts of water.
Usage: technical; commonly used in materials science, medicine, and chemistry

Examples

• Hydrogels are widely used in contact lenses because they allow oxygen to reach the eye.
• The researchers developed a new hydrogel that could deliver medication slowly over time.
• Hydrogels can absorb up to 90% of their weight in water.
• Wound dressings made from hydrogel help keep the skin moist and promote healing.
• The hydrogel scaffold was designed to support tissue growth in regenerative medicine applications.