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
The transport system relies on a combination of hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) materials.
—
IEEE Spectrum, 24 Apr. 2024
Hydrogels are a unique gel-type comprising a three-dimensional network of hydrophilic polymer chains.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for hydrophilic 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
IEEE Spectrum, 24 Apr. 2024
Hydrogels are a unique gel-type comprising a three-dimensional network of hydrophilic polymer chains.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for hydrophilic
Dictionary Entries Near hydrophilic
Cite this Entry
“Hydrophilic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydrophilic. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical 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
Share