hydrophilic
adjective
hy·dro·phil·ic ˌhī-drə-ˈfi-lik 
: of, relating to, or having a strong affinity for water
hydrophilic proteins
hydrophilicity
ˌhī-drə-fi-ˈli-sə-tē
noun 
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Wet N Wild uses a unique hydrophilic material in this set of two makeup sponges, meaning that the sponges absorb water and expand (which makes for smoother, faster makeup application). 
Catharine Malzahn, Good Housekeeping, 28 July 2022 Kappel says natural hydrophilic lipids go a long way in creating a hydrating hair mask. Nicole Pajer, SELF, 14 Oct. 2021 And because the formula utilizes three different molecular sizes of hyaluronic acid, each form penetrates the skin at different depths, as its hydrophilic properties attract water molecules, simultaneously plumping and hydrating. Jessica Ourisman, Harper's BAZAAR, 15 Sep. 2021 It was engineered with a hydrophilic coating so items dry fast and spot free on silicon holders, purpose-built for plates and wine glasses. Brad Japhe, Forbes, 31 Aug. 2021 Delta fabric is engineered with a mix of hydrophobic and hydrophilic yarns to speed sweat evaporation. Joe Lindsey, Outside Online, 1 June 2021 Instead of relying on studs and monster-truck tread patterns, this tire is built with a special hydrophilic coating that sheds water, and tiny, super-hard tread bite particles that keep you from slipping and sliding. Field & Stream, 26 Feb. 2021 The lecithin from egg yolks creates a barrier between the tar and the turtle's digestive tract when its hydrophobic side binds to the tar while its hydrophilic side faces the outside, reports Live Science. Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Feb. 2021 In short, three-layer masks are the best, with hydrophobic material on the outside and hydrophilic materials on the inside. Eric Bangeman, Ars Technica, 24 Dec. 2020 See More
Catharine Malzahn, Good Housekeeping, 28 July 2022 Kappel says natural hydrophilic lipids go a long way in creating a hydrating hair mask. Nicole Pajer, SELF, 14 Oct. 2021 And because the formula utilizes three different molecular sizes of hyaluronic acid, each form penetrates the skin at different depths, as its hydrophilic properties attract water molecules, simultaneously plumping and hydrating. Jessica Ourisman, Harper's BAZAAR, 15 Sep. 2021 It was engineered with a hydrophilic coating so items dry fast and spot free on silicon holders, purpose-built for plates and wine glasses. Brad Japhe, Forbes, 31 Aug. 2021 Delta fabric is engineered with a mix of hydrophobic and hydrophilic yarns to speed sweat evaporation. Joe Lindsey, Outside Online, 1 June 2021 Instead of relying on studs and monster-truck tread patterns, this tire is built with a special hydrophilic coating that sheds water, and tiny, super-hard tread bite particles that keep you from slipping and sliding. Field & Stream, 26 Feb. 2021 The lecithin from egg yolks creates a barrier between the tar and the turtle's digestive tract when its hydrophobic side binds to the tar while its hydrophilic side faces the outside, reports Live Science. Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Feb. 2021 In short, three-layer masks are the best, with hydrophobic material on the outside and hydrophilic materials on the inside. Eric Bangeman, Ars Technica, 24 Dec. 2020 See More Word History
Etymology
New Latin hydrophilus, from Greek hydr- + -philos -philous
First Known Use
1901, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
hydrophilic 1 of 2
adjective
hy·dro·phil·ic -ˈfil-ik
: of, relating to, or having a strong affinity for water
hydrophilic colloids swell in water and are relatively stable
soft contact lenses are made of hydrophilic plastic, which absorbs water
compare lipophilic, lyophilic, oleophilic hydrophilic
2 of 2noun
: hydrophile