French Conversation · Level 119
60 words
French word
sécheresse
Pronunciation
IPA/seʃəʁɛs/
Meaning
- feminine noundryness
Example
La sécheresse de l'air me dérange.
The dryness of the air bothers me.
More examples
Après la douche, j'applique une crème pour éviter la sécheresse de la peau.
After the shower, I apply a cream to prevent dryness of the skin.
Core concept
A surrounding condition in which moisture has become scarce, from dry air to a drought-stricken region.
Common phrases
sécheresse de la peau
dryness of the skin
sécheresse de l'air
air dryness
Similar words
humidité: The level of moisture or dampness contained in air or physical objects.
peau sèche: Dry, rough skin caused by reduced moisture at the skin's surface.
climat sec: A prolonged climate pattern marked by dryness and low humidity.
Definition in French
État d'une très faible humidité, c'est-à-dire l'absence ou la rareté de l'eau dans l'air, sur la peau, dans le sol ou sur un territoire.
Word origin
The noun sécheresse derives from the verb sécher plus the French abstract-noun suffix -esse; sécher ultimately traces back to Latin siccare.
Usage tips
- French often uses il fait sec for dry air and peau sèche for dry skin, reserving sécheresse for the more abstract condition.