Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

hydrophilic

Adjective

/haɪdrəˈfɪlɪk/

Definition

Having an affinity for water; tending to mix with, dissolve in, or be wetted by water.

Examples

Common hydrophilic substances include sugars and salts.
In biology, hydrophilic molecules play crucial roles in cell membrane interactions.
Many detergents are designed with hydrophilic properties to clean effectively by interacting with water.

Meaning

The term hydrophilic describes substances or molecules that are attracted to water. Hydrophilic materials are typically polar or charged, enabling them to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules, which leads to their solubility in water.