oleophilic

American  

[oh-lee-oh-fil-ik] / ˌoʊ li oʊˈfɪl ɪk /

adjective

Chemistry.

1. of or relating to a substance that has an affinity for oils and not for water.

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Etymology

Origin of oleophilic

First recorded in 1955–60; oleo- + -philic

Example Sentences

Rival teams have applied nanotechnology to the problem to produce ultra-lightweight sponges that are oleophilic and hydrophobic - they love oil but repel water.

From Reuters

Smart Sponge, as Abtech’s product is called, is made out of extruded plastic in a secret process that makes the sponge highly oleophilic yet hydrophobic.

From Forbes