Encyclopedia humidity humidity, moisture content of the atmosphere, a primary element of climate . Absolute humidity finds greatest application in ventilation and air-conditioning problems. Humidity is measured by means of a hygrometer . The rate of evaporation decreases as the moisture content of the air increases and approaches saturation.
Humidity decreases with altitude.
Proximity to large bodies of water and the prevalence of moisture-bearing winds favor high humidity. Licensed from Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.