hydrophobic
adjectiveUK /ˌhaɪdrəˈfəʊbɪk/
US /ˌhaɪdrəˈfoʊbɪk/
Something hydrophobic pushes water away and does not mix with it.
The hydrophobic leaves made the raindrops roll right off.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. In chemistry, describing a molecule that is repelled by water and tends to clump together in watery places.
Oil is hydrophobic, so it floats on top of water instead of mixing in.
3. In medicine, describing a fear of water or a condition where someone avoids water.
The doctor noted the patient's hydrophobic reaction near deep water.
4. In biology, describing a part of a cell or protein that avoids water and sits inside oily areas.
The hydrophobic tail of the molecule hides inside the cell membrane.