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hydrophobic

American  
[hahy-druh-foh-bik] / ˌhaɪ drəˈfoʊ bɪk /

adjective

  1. of or relating to hydrophobia.

  2. Chemistry. having little or no affinity for water.


hydrophobic British  
/ ˌhaɪdrəˈfəʊbɪk /

adjective

  1. of or relating to hydrophobia

  2. chem tending not to dissolve in, mix with, or be wetted by water Compare hydrophilic

    a hydrophobic colloid

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of hydrophobic

First recorded in 1640–50; hydrophobe + -ic

Vocabulary lists containing hydrophobic

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Figure 9.4 Hydrophobic signaling molecules typically diffuse across the plasma membrane and interact with intracellular receptors in the cytoplasm.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Hydrophobic patches are shown in orange, positively and negatively charged surfaces are coloured in blue and red, respectively.

From Nature • Apr. 4, 2014

Hydrophobic patches are shown in orange, positively and negatively charged surfaces are coloured in blue and red, respectively.

From Nature • Apr. 4, 2014

Hydrophobic hormones are able to diffuse through the membrane and interact with an intracellular receptor.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

The Hydrophobic Skunk is a creature of such surpassing accomplishments and vivid personality that I feel he is entitled to a new chapter.

From Roughing it De Luxe by McCutcheon, John T.

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