hydrophobic

adjective

hy·​dro·​pho·​bic ˌhī-drə-ˈfō-bik 

1

: of, relating to, or suffering from hydrophobia

2

: lacking affinity for water

hydrophobicity

ˌhī-drə-fō-ˈbi-sə-tē 

noun

Examples of hydrophobic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

On top of the blade laying down small bits of silicone—which is inherently hydrophobic—Michelin has treated the wiper with four layers of its hydrophobic coating to improve clearing ability before the wiper is even engaged. —Matt Crisara, Popular Mechanics, 12 Jan. 2023

Body of knowledge The human body is approximately 60 percent water — a little more for men, a little less for women, who typically have more hydrophobic fat content. —Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2023

These anti-humid feats are usually courtesy of polyester, which is literally hydrophobic and water-repellent. —Maverick Li, menshealth.com, 19 Apr. 2023

The trick is a deft blend of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic yarns in a knit structure that promotes airflow and keeps just the right amount of moisture against the skin. —Outside Online, 14 Sep. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

hydrophobic

adjective

hy·​dro·​pho·​bic -ˈfō-bik 

1

: of, relating to, or suffering from hydrophobia

2

: resistant to or avoiding wetting

a hydrophobic lens

3

: of, relating to, or having a lack of affinity for water

hydrophobic colloids are relatively unstable

compare lyophobic, oleophobic

hydrophobically

-bi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

hydrophobicity

-ˌfō-ˈbis-ət-ē 

noun

plural hydrophobicities