LIPOPHILIC Meaning and
Definition
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Lipophilic is an adjective derived from the combination of the Greek words "lipos" meaning fat and "philia" meaning love or attraction. In the field of chemistry and biology, lipophilic refers to a substance or molecule's affinity or ability to dissolve or be attracted to fats, oils, or other lipid-based substances.
A lipophilic compound can easily dissolve in lipid environments, including cell membranes, fatty tissues, or oils. This property arises due to its chemical structure, which enables it to interact with nonpolar substances such as hydrocarbons, triglycerides, or phospholipids. Lipophilic compounds are generally hydrophobic or insoluble in water due to their nonpolar nature, which makes them highly soluble in nonpolar solvents.
Lipophilic substances possess several important characteristics and play significant roles in various biological processes. For instance, lipophilic drugs can efficiently penetrate cell membranes to reach their target sites within the body. They can also be stored in adipose tissues and exert a prolonged effect. Furthermore, lipophilic compounds often have stronger interactions with lipids compared to hydrophilic substances, which can affect their solubility, distribution, and transportation in biological systems.
Overall, lipophilic refers to the property of being attracted to or having an affinity for fats or lipids. This attribute is of utmost importance in understanding the behavior, action, and transportation of various substances within living organisms and their interaction with lipid-based environments.
Common Misspellings for LIPOPHILIC
- kipophilic
- pipophilic
- oipophilic
- lupophilic
- ljpophilic
- lkpophilic
- lopophilic
- l9pophilic
- l8pophilic
- lioophilic
- lilophilic
- li-ophilic
- li0ophilic
- lipiphilic
- lipkphilic
- liplphilic
- lippphilic
- lip0philic
- lip9philic
Etymology of LIPOPHILIC
The word "lipophilic" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "lipo" and "philos".
"Lipo" (λίπος) means "fat" or "lipid" in Greek, and it is commonly used to refer to fatty substances.
"Philos" (φίλος) means "loving" or "having an affinity for" in Greek.
Therefore, when combined, "lipophilic" (from lipos and philos) suggests an affinity or attraction for fatty or lipid substances. In the context of chemistry and biology, lipophilic refers to substances that have an affinity for fats or lipids, or those that can dissolve in, be absorbed by, or associate with lipid-based substances.
