water-fearing en · ADJ
Etymology
From water + fearing. Alternatively, equivalent to water-fear + -ing.
Meanings
-
Lacking affinity for water; hydrophobic.
Molecules with this dual nature are called amphiphiles ('liking both'): in soaps and detergents, they are comprised of a water-loving (hydrophilic) part and a water-fearing (hydrophobic) part.
2011, Philip Ball, Shapes: Nature's Patterns: a Tapestry in Three Parts, page 61:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| most water-fearing | Degree=Sup | lexicographic | |
| more water-fearing | Degree=Cmp | lexicographic |