hydrogel
noun
hy·dro·gel ˈhī-drə-ˌjel 
: a gel composed usually of one or more polymers suspended in water
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Surgeons then made a tiny incision in each patient’s cornea and inserted the hydrogel, which helped thicken and reshape the cornea to restore its functionality. 
Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Aug. 2022 To develop the cornea transplants, the researchers used medical-grade collagen derived from pig skin to create a transparent hydrogel. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Aug. 2022 That was used to engineer a hydrogel that mimics the human cornea. Aria Bendix, NBC News, 11 Aug. 2022 Contraline’s method involves a permeable hydrogel that’s injected into the vas deferens, the pair of tubes in the male reproductive system that transport sperm. Wired, 24 July 2022 However, the synthetic hydrogel only applies these proteins in small amounts at a local site, without allowing widespread circulation in the body. Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 June 2022 The result is a gel-like squishy substance called a hydrogel. Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Dec. 2021 The hydrogel the team designed contains DNA and electrodes hooked up to an electrical sensor. Maddie Bender, STAT, 20 Nov. 2021 Using hydrogel, which can absorb water while still maintaining its structural integrity, gave the team a huge advantage over traditional biological methods for detecting infections, Xiong said. Maddie Bender, STAT, 20 Nov. 2021 See More
Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Aug. 2022 To develop the cornea transplants, the researchers used medical-grade collagen derived from pig skin to create a transparent hydrogel. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Aug. 2022 That was used to engineer a hydrogel that mimics the human cornea. Aria Bendix, NBC News, 11 Aug. 2022 Contraline’s method involves a permeable hydrogel that’s injected into the vas deferens, the pair of tubes in the male reproductive system that transport sperm. Wired, 24 July 2022 However, the synthetic hydrogel only applies these proteins in small amounts at a local site, without allowing widespread circulation in the body. Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 June 2022 The result is a gel-like squishy substance called a hydrogel. Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Dec. 2021 The hydrogel the team designed contains DNA and electrodes hooked up to an electrical sensor. Maddie Bender, STAT, 20 Nov. 2021 Using hydrogel, which can absorb water while still maintaining its structural integrity, gave the team a huge advantage over traditional biological methods for detecting infections, Xiong said. Maddie Bender, STAT, 20 Nov. 2021 See More Word History
First Known Use
1864, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
hydrogel
noun
hy·dro·gel ˈhī-drə-ˌjel
: a gel in which the liquid is water
a silicone hydrogel used to make soft contact lenses