Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Showing results for hydrophobic. Search instead for ophidiophobics.

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.

But in a counterintuitive twist, the very mechanism that enables hydrophobic surfaces to deflect water droplets also leads to the shearing effect outlined in Backholm's paper.

From Science Daily • Apr. 16, 2024

This can be covalent bonds, hydrogen bridge bonds, van der Waals forces, and hydrophobic interactions.

From Science Daily • Apr. 4, 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

Mr. Kraus was excused in a state of hydrophobic rage and Teed withdrew in all meekness.

From In a Little Town by Hughes, Rupert

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "hydrophobic" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com