Dictionary

water-loving en · ADJ

Etymology

From water + loving.

Meanings

1. Having an affinity for water; hydrophilic.
   • This is made of fatty acids, molecules that are characterized by having a water-loving end and a water-hating end. Oct 1, 2013, Robert L. Wolke, What a Wonderful World: One Man's Attempt to Explain the Big Stuff
   • a barrier consisting of cells that prevent bacteria and large or water-loving molecules from crossing into the central nervous system Sep 9, 2014, Michael Backes, Cannabis Pharmacy: The Practical Guide to Medical Marijuana
   • Since it accomodates both the water-hating and water-loving properties of modified diglycerides ... Aug 28, 2014, Mark Burkitt, Healthy Eating Through Informed Choice
   • To prepare a cotton that would swell like linen, we decided to attach water-loving groups to the cellulose chain 1894, U.S. Government Printing Office, Yearbook of Agriculture:
   • The trouble is that calcium, magnesium, and iron react with the water-loving ends of the molecule to form insoluble […] Aug 31, 2012, Robert L. Wolke, What Einstein Didn't Know: Scientific Answers to Everyday Questions

Forms

Antonyms

water-fearing

Synonyms

hydrophilic