hydrophile
|hy-dro-phile|
C2
/ˈhaɪdrəˌfaɪl/
water-loving
Etymology
Etymology Information
'hydrophile' originates from Greek via Neo-Latin, specifically the Greek elements 'hydōr' meaning 'water' and 'philos' meaning 'loving' or 'friend'.
Historical Evolution
'hydrophile' was formed in New Latin/Neo-Latin (e.g. 'hydrophilus') in scientific usage and was adopted into English as 'hydrophile' during the 19th century.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it literally meant 'loving water'; over time it evolved into the technical sense 'having an affinity for water' used in chemistry and biology.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a substance or molecule that has an affinity for water; readily interacts with, dissolves in, or is wetted by water.
Many hydrophiles dissolve easily in water.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/30 15:19