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.

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Other Word Forms

• hydrophobicity noun
• nonhydrophobic adjective

Etymology

Origin of hydrophobic

First recorded in 1640–50; hydrophobe + -ic

Example Sentences

Backholm expects these findings will further enable physicists and engineers to develop hydrophobic surfaces with better performance.

From Science Daily • Apr. 16, 2024

The engineered protein, resembling a structure with five arms, exhibits a unique feature -- a hydrophobic pore within its coiled-coil configuration.

From Science Daily • Mar. 14, 2024

The researchers employed methanol vapor to modify the secondary structure of silkworm silk proteins, resulting in a nanofiber membrane with a hydrophobic outer surface.

From Science Daily • Feb. 23, 2024

They know that it can be very effective as a hydrophobic, self-cleaning coating, but it's only now they realise how important the structure is for visible coloration.

From Science Daily • Feb. 7, 2024

He detached himself from the tilting control panel and sailed wildly about like a hydrophobic goldfish in a bowl of water.

From Master of the Moondog by Mullen, Stanley