WETTABLE Meaning and
Definition
-
The term "wettable" is an adjective used to describe a substance or surface that has the ability to be wetted by a liquid, typically water. When a material is wettable, it means that the liquid can easily spread and adhere to the surface without beading up or running off. This property is of particular importance in various fields such as chemistry, engineering, and materials science.
In chemistry, wettable substances are often used in the pharmaceutical industry, where pills and tablets need to quickly dissolve and disperse in the stomach to release the active ingredients. By ensuring that the pill's coating is wettable, it allows for efficient absorption and faster onset of action.
In engineering and materials science, wettable surfaces are crucial in applications such as printing, coating, and adhesives. For instance, a surface that is not wettable might cause ink to bead up or separate, leading to poor print quality. On the other hand, a wettable surface ensures that the ink spreads evenly, resulting in sharp and vibrant printouts.
Overall, wettable refers to the ability of a material to readily and uniformly interact with a liquid, facilitating processes like dissolution, adhesion, and absorption. This property is valued across several industries due to its impact on the effectiveness, functionality, and quality of various products and applications.
Etymology of WETTABLE
The word "wettable" is formed by adding the suffix "-able" to the root word "wet". The root word "wet" originated from the Old English word "wǣt", which was used to describe something as moist or soaked with water. The addition of the suffix "-able" indicates the capability or susceptibility to being wet, making "wettable" mean "able to be wet" or "capable of being made wet".
