The word "hydrophilic" ( /haɪdrəˈfɪlɪk/) is spelled using the combination of the prefix "hydro-" meaning "water" and "philic" meaning "attracted to". This term describes molecules or materials that are attracted to water and are able to dissolve in it. The correct spelling of the word is important in scientific and technical contexts, where accuracy is vital. Proper use of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) helps in pronunciation and communication of the term.
Hydrophilic is an adjective that refers to the property of being attracted to or having an affinity for water. It is derived from the Greek words "hydro" meaning water and "philia" meaning love. The term is commonly used in chemistry, biology, and material science to describe substances or surfaces that interact or mix with water.
A hydrophilic substance is one that can dissolve, disperse, or readily absorb water molecules. It possesses a high degree of wetting ability and tends to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. This property is often associated with polar, charged, or highly electronegative molecules, such as those containing hydroxyl (-OH) or amine (-NH2) groups. Examples of hydrophilic substances include salt, sugar, and certain types of polymers.
Hydrophilic surfaces exhibit a similar behavior, whereby they have a strong affinity for water. They promote the spreading and absorption of water rather than repelling it. These surfaces are often achieved through the modification of their chemical composition or by introducing hydrophilic molecules or groups onto their surface. Hydrophilic surfaces can be found in materials such as glass, cotton, and cellulose.
The hydrophilic property is opposite to hydrophobic, which describes substances that repel or do not mix well with water. Hydrophilicity is an important characteristic in various applications, including drug delivery systems, medical implants, biological assays, and the development of functional materials.
The word "hydrophilic" is derived from two Greek words: "hydro" meaning water and "philos" meaning love or affinity. In the context of chemistry and biology, "hydrophilic" refers to substances or molecules that have an attraction or affinity for water.