hɪˈdrɒfəb

Definitions

1. noun

A molecule or surface that is characterized by an affinity for nonpolar solvents and an aversion to water, typically resulting in a hydrophobic effect.

“The hydrophobic properties of the material made it difficult to clean.”

2. noun

An organism or cell that exhibits an aversion to water.

“The hydrophobe bacterium was able to survive in environments with extremely low water content.”