hydrophilic

adjective

hy·​dro·​phil·​ic ˌhī-drə-ˈfi-lik How to pronounce hydrophilic (audio)
: of, relating to, or having a strong affinity for water
hydrophilic proteins
hydrophilicity noun

Examples of hydrophilic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The transport system relies on a combination of hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) materials. IEEE Spectrum, 24 Apr. 2024 Hydrogels are a unique gel-type comprising a three-dimensional network of hydrophilic polymer chains. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 These SAPs, networks of hydrophilic polymer chains, can absorb liquids, turn the liquids into gels, and hold them even when under pressure–exactly what diapers and adult incontinence products are valued for. Carolyn Barber, Fortune, 13 July 2023 It is made up of molecules called phospholipids, long chains of carbon that interact with each other creating an internal environment inside the membrane that repels water (a hydrophobic environment), and surface molecules capable of interacting with water (a hydrophilic environment). Gabriel A. Silva, Forbes, 2 Aug. 2022 See all Example Sentences for hydrophilic 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin hydrophilus, from Greek hydr- + -philos -philous

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hydrophilic was in 1901

Dictionary Entries Near hydrophilic

Cite this Entry

“Hydrophilic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydrophilic. Accessed 16 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

hydrophilic

1 of 2 adjective
hy·​dro·​phil·​ic -ˈfil-ik How to pronounce hydrophilic (audio)
: of, relating to, or having a strong affinity for water
hydrophilic colloids swell in water and are relatively stable
soft contact lenses are made of hydrophilic plastic, which absorbs water
compare lipophilic, lyophilic, oleophilic
hydrophilicity noun
plural hydrophilicities

hydrophilic

2 of 2 noun
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