water-fearing

English

Etymology

From water +‎ fearing. Alternatively, equivalent to water-fear +‎ -ing.

Adjective

water-fearing (comparative more water-fearing, superlative most water-fearing)

  1. (chemistry) Lacking affinity for water; hydrophobic.
    • 2011, Philip Ball, Shapes: Nature's Patterns: a Tapestry in Three Parts, page 61:
      Molecules with this dual nature are called amphiphiles ('liking both'): in soaps and detergents, they are comprised of a water-loving (hydrophilic) part and a water-fearing (hydrophobic) part.

Antonyms

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