Antihydrophobic

/ˌæntiˌhaɪdroʊˈfoʊbɪk/ adjective

Definition

Describing a substance or property that is opposite to hydrophobic; having an attraction to water rather than repelling it.

Etymology

From anti- (against) + hydrophobic (from Greek hydro-, water + phobos, fear). This scientific term combines the prefix with hydrophobic to describe the opposite water-loving property.

Kelly Says

Antihydrophobic surfaces are how soap works—soap molecules have one end that loves water and one that loves oil, so they can trap dirt and pull it away, which is why you need soap instead of just water to get actually clean.

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