water-soluble

American  

[waw-ter-sol-yuh-buhl, wot-er-] / ˈwɔ tərˌsɒl yə bəl, ˈwɒt ər- /

adjective

1. capable of dissolving in water.

---

Etymology

Origin of water-soluble

First recorded in 1920–25

Compare meaning

How does water-soluble compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• fat-soluble vs. water-soluble

Example Sentences

This advance relies on specially engineered water-soluble monomers.

From Science Daily • Dec. 15, 2025

Known for their antioxidant properties, they are water-soluble, meaning they are quickly metabolized and therefore unlikely to leave a mark on the skin.

From Salon • Jan. 20, 2025

It’s worth noting that cooking fruit can lead to some nutrient loss, particularly water-soluble vitamins like vitamin C and certain B vitamins, which are sensitive to heat.

From Salon • Jan. 12, 2025

Because cholesterol is a fatty substance and thus not water-soluble, it must be carried around in little particles known as lipoproteins.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 8, 2024

Some pigments are stimulators of corrosion, because they contain water-soluble impurities that hasten the rusting, while others, like graphite, hasten it simply because, being good conductors, they stimulate surface electrolysis.

From Paint Technology and Tests by Gardner, Henry A.