electrophilic

[ ih-lek-truh-fil-ik ]

adjective

, Chemistry.

1. of or relating to electron acceptance in covalent bonding ( nucleophilic ).

electrophilic

/ ɪˈlɛktrəʊˌfaɪl; ɪˌlɛktrəʊˈfɪlɪk /

adjective

1. See nucleophilic
   chem having or involving an affinity for negative charge. Electrophilic reagents ( electrophiles ) are atoms, molecules, and ions that behave as electron acceptors Compare nucleophilic

Derived Forms

• electrophile, noun

Other Words From

• e·lectro·phili·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of electrophilic¹

First recorded in 1940–45; electr(on) + -o- + -philic