electrophilic

adjective

elec·​tro·​phil·​ic i-ˌlek-trə-ˈfi-lik How to pronounce electrophilic (audio)
1
of an atom, ion, or molecule : having an affinity for electrons : being an electron acceptor
2
: involving an electrophilic species
an electrophilic reaction
compare nucleophilic
electrophilicity noun

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of electrophilic was in 1906

Dictionary Entries Near electrophilic

Cite this Entry

“Electrophilic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electrophilic. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

electrophilic

adjective
elec·​tro·​phil·​ic i-ˌlek-trə-ˈfil-ik How to pronounce electrophilic (audio)
1
of an atom, ion, or molecule : having an affinity for electrons : being an electron acceptor
electrophilic reagents
2
: involving an electrophilic atom, ion, or molecule
an electrophilic reaction
electrophilicity noun
plural electrophillicities
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