Hydrophobic - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Hydrophobic describes a substance or surface that repels water and does not mix with it. It is often used in chemistry and biology to describe materials like oils or waxes.
Definition:
Repelling or failing to mix with water.
Synonyms:
Water-repellent, nonpolar, lipophilic
Part of Speech:
adjective
Antonyms:
Hydrophilic, water-loving
Common Collocations:
Hydrophobic surface, hydrophobic coating, hydrophobic molecules
Derivatives:
Hydrophobicity, hydrophobe
Usage Tips:
Use "hydrophobic" to describe materials or molecules that resist water, like oils or waxes.
Common Phrases:
Hydrophobic effect, hydrophobic interaction, hydrophobic barrier
Etymology:
From Greek "hydro-" (water) + "-phobos" (fearing), meaning "water-fearing."
Examples:
- 1. The fabric is hydrophobic and repels rainwater effortlessly.
- 2. Oil is hydrophobic and doesn’t dissolve in water.
- 3. Scientists designed a hydrophobic coating for the car’s windshield.
- 4. Hydrophobic soil resists moisture, making it hard for plants to grow.