hydrophilic
adjective
hy·dro·phil·ic
ˌhī-drə-ˈfi-lik 
: of, relating to, or having a strong affinity for water
hydrophilic proteins
Examples of hydrophilic in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
These SAPs, networks of hydrophilic polymer chains, can absorb liquids, turn the liquids into gels, and hold them even when under pressure–exactly what diapers and adult incontinence products are valued for.
—
Carolyn Barber, Fortune, 13 July 2023
It is made up of molecules called phospholipids, long chains of carbon that interact with each other creating an internal environment inside the membrane that repels water (a hydrophobic environment), and surface molecules capable of interacting with water (a hydrophilic environment).
—Gabriel A. Silva, Forbes, 2 Aug. 2022
Chemists probably already know that these amphiphilic stabilizers are often a surfactant—a small molecule with a hydrophobic end and a hydrophilic end, such as those in detergents.
—IEEE Spectrum, 16 Mar. 2022
The triglycerides clump together and push away the hydrophilic liquid, the buttermilk.
—Vince C Reyes, Discover Magazine, 28 May 2013
An innermost layer made of hydrophilic (water-absorbing) material (cotton or cotton blends).
—Corey Gaskin, Ars Technica, 18 Dec. 2021
These socks are made with a thick blend of nylon and elastane in the outer layer, a hydrophilic membrane in the middle, and a blend of merino, acrylic, polester, nylon, and elastane on the inside—perfect in spacious wader boots for waterfowl hunting or fly-fishing.
—Jenny Nguyen-Wheatley, Outside Online, 2 Dec. 2022
Hyaluronic filler is hydrophilic, sometimes attracting lymph fluid that results in long-term discoloration. Anti-inflammatory and pro-healing topical skincare is the next line of defense, after icing, in reducing downtime.
—Jessica Ourisman, Harper's BAZAAR, 10 Feb. 2023
And if your filter is particularly sluggish after pulling it out of storage, Lundy suggests soaking it in a solution containing a hydrophilic agent such as coconut milk: 4 tablespoons mixed with 2 cups of water.
—Alisha McDarris, Popular Science, 2 Jan. 2023
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Carolyn Barber, Fortune, 13 July 2023
It is made up of molecules called phospholipids, long chains of carbon that interact with each other creating an internal environment inside the membrane that repels water (a hydrophobic environment), and surface molecules capable of interacting with water (a hydrophilic environment).
—Gabriel A. Silva, Forbes, 2 Aug. 2022
Chemists probably already know that these amphiphilic stabilizers are often a surfactant—a small molecule with a hydrophobic end and a hydrophilic end, such as those in detergents.
—IEEE Spectrum, 16 Mar. 2022
The triglycerides clump together and push away the hydrophilic liquid, the buttermilk.
—Vince C Reyes, Discover Magazine, 28 May 2013
An innermost layer made of hydrophilic (water-absorbing) material (cotton or cotton blends).
—Corey Gaskin, Ars Technica, 18 Dec. 2021
These socks are made with a thick blend of nylon and elastane in the outer layer, a hydrophilic membrane in the middle, and a blend of merino, acrylic, polester, nylon, and elastane on the inside—perfect in spacious wader boots for waterfowl hunting or fly-fishing.
—Jenny Nguyen-Wheatley, Outside Online, 2 Dec. 2022
Hyaluronic filler is hydrophilic, sometimes attracting lymph fluid that results in long-term discoloration. Anti-inflammatory and pro-healing topical skincare is the next line of defense, after icing, in reducing downtime.
—Jessica Ourisman, Harper's BAZAAR, 10 Feb. 2023
And if your filter is particularly sluggish after pulling it out of storage, Lundy suggests soaking it in a solution containing a hydrophilic agent such as coconut milk: 4 tablespoons mixed with 2 cups of water.
—Alisha McDarris, Popular Science, 2 Jan. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hydrophilic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
New Latin hydrophilus, from Greek hydr- + -philos -philous
First Known Use
1901, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near hydrophilic
Cite this Entry
“Hydrophilic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydrophilic. Accessed 24 Sep. 2023.
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Medical Definition
hydrophilic
1 of 2 adjective
hy·dro·phil·ic
-ˈfil-ik
: of, relating to, or having a strong affinity for water
hydrophilic colloids swell in water and are relatively stable
soft contact lenses are made of hydrophilic plastic, which absorbs water
compare lipophilic, lyophilic, oleophilic
hydrophilic
2 of 2 nounLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
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