amphipathic

[am-fuh-path-ik]

adjective Chemistry.

(of a molecule) having two different affinities, as a polar end that is attracted to water and a nonpolar end that is repelled by it.

Origin of amphipathic

First recorded in 1970–75; amphi- + -pathic

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British Dictionary definitions for amphipathic

amphipathic

amphipath (ˈæmfɪˌpæθ)

adjective

chem biochem of or relating to a molecule that possesses both hydrophobic and hydrophilic elements, such as are found in detergents, or phospholipids of biological membranes

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