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Hydrophobic: meaning, definitions and examples

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hydrophobic

 

[ˌhaɪdrəˈfəʊbɪk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

chemistry

Tending to repel or fail to mix with water. Hydrophobic molecules are usually nonpolar and do not dissolve in water.

Synonyms

nonpolar, water repellent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hydrophobic

Typically used in scientific or technical fields to describe substances that do not mix well with water. It is often seen in chemistry and biology contexts.

  • The hydrophobic tails of phospholipids align away from water in the cell membrane
  • Certain proteins have hydrophobic regions that help them function properly
water repellent

Commonly used in everyday language and industry to describe materials or surfaces designed to resist water penetration. This term is often used in the context of fabric, clothing, and outdoor gear.

  • These shoes are water repellent, making them perfect for rainy weather
  • The water repellent coating on the jacket kept me dry during the storm
nonpolar

Primarily used in chemistry to describe molecules that do not have a separation of electrical charge, which results in no positive or negative poles. It is often used in the context of chemical bonding and molecular interactions.

  • Methane is a nonpolar molecule because the electrons are evenly distributed
  • Nonpolar solvents are commonly used to dissolve nonpolar substances

Examples of usage

  • Hydrophobic substances such as oil do not mix with water.
  • Hydrophobic interactions play a crucial role in protein folding.
Context #2 | Adjective

biology

Relating to, tending to repel, or not mix well with water. Hydrophobic surfaces resist wetting.

Synonyms

lipophilic, water repellent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hydrophobic

Used in scientific or technical discussions to describe substances or surfaces that repel water.

  • The coating on this jacket is hydrophobic, keeping you dry in the rain.
  • This material is hydrophobic, making it ideal for water-resistant applications.

Examples of usage

  • The lotus leaf has a hydrophobic surface that causes water droplets to bead up.
  • Hydrophobicity in cell membranes helps maintain cell structure.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from Greek roots: 'hydro' meaning water and 'phobos' meaning fear.
  • It was first used in scientific contexts in the early 20th century to describe certain chemical properties.
  • Hydrophobicity is an important concept in chemistry and biology, influencing how substances interact.

Science

  • Hydrophobic materials repel water, making them useful for waterproofing items like jackets and outdoor gear.
  • The phenomenon is crucial in biology; cell membranes are hydrophobic, helping to protect the cell's contents.
  • Surfactants, or wetting agents, reduce the surface tension of water, allowing it to mix with hydrophobic substances.

Technology

  • Hydrophobic coatings are used in technology, such as waterproofing electronics to prevent damage from moisture.
  • Research in nanotechnology often explores superhydrophobic surfaces that can repel water almost entirely.
  • Hydrophobic properties are utilized in self-cleaning materials that prevent dirt buildup.

Pop Culture

  • The idea of hydrophobic surfaces has inspired various art installations showing playful interactions with water.
  • In movies and animations, characters or materials often symbolize hydrophobicity when they avoid water dramatically.
  • Popular science shows demonstrate hydrophobicity by showing how certain materials behave in the presence of water.

Everyday Life

  • Hydrophobic items are used in everyday products like raincoats, non-stick pans, and certain fabrics.
  • Oil and water do not mix primarily due to their hydrophobic properties, which is why oil floats on water.
  • Understanding hydrophobicity helps in choosing cleaning agents, as some are designed to pull dirt (oil) away while leaving water behind.

Translations

Translations of the word "hydrophobic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 hidrofóbico

🇮🇳 जल-अभीरु (jal-abhīru)

🇩🇪 hydrophob

🇮🇩 hidrofobik

🇺🇦 гідрофобний

🇵🇱 hydrofobowy

🇯🇵 疎水性 (sosuisei)

🇫🇷 hydrophobe

🇪🇸 hidrofóbico

🇹🇷 hidrofobik

🇰🇷 소수성의 (sosuseong-ui)

🇸🇦 كاره للماء (karh lilma')

🇨🇿 hydrofobní

🇸🇰 hydrofóbny

🇨🇳 疏水性 (shūshuǐxìng)

🇸🇮 hidrofoben

🇮🇸 vatnsfælið

🇰🇿 гидрофобты

🇬🇪 ჰიდროფობული (hidrophobuli)

🇦🇿 hidrofob

🇲🇽 hidrofóbico

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,728, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.