hydrophobic
Meaning: Tending to repel or not absorb water; lacking affinity for water. In chemistry and biology, it describes nonpolar molecules or surfaces that do not interact favourably with water.
Hydrophobic interactions drive many biological processes, including protein folding and the formation of cell membranes, where lipid tails cluster together to avoid contact with the aqueous environment. In engineering, hydrophobic coatings are applied to textiles, windscreens, and building materials to make surfaces water-repellent. The term is the direct antonym of hydrophilic and the two are frequently discussed together.
Examples
- The jacket's hydrophobic finish caused rainwater to bead up and roll off the fabric without soaking through. 这款夹克的疏水处理使雨水在织物上聚成水珠并滚落,不会渗透。El acabado hidrófobo de la chaqueta hacía que el agua de lluvia formara gotas y resbalara por la tela sin calarla.そのジャケットの疎水性加工により、雨水は生地の表面で水玉になって滑り落ち、染み込まなかった。그 재킷의 소수성 마감 처리 덕분에 빗물이 방울져 천 표면을 타고 흘러내렸으며 스며들지 않았다.
- Hydrophobic residues in the protein's interior stabilise its three-dimensional structure. 蛋白质内部的疏水性残基稳定了其三维结构。Los residuos hidrófobos en el interior de la proteína estabilizan su estructura tridimensional.タンパク質内部の疎水性残基がその三次元構造を安定化させています。단백질 내부의 소수성 잔기가 단백질의 3차원 구조를 안정화시킵니다.
- A team at Imperial College developed a hydrophobic spray that can protect smartphone screens from water damage. 帝国理工学院的一个团队开发了一种疏水喷雾,可以保护智能手机屏幕免受水的损害。Un equipo del Imperial College desarrolló un espray hidrófobo capaz de proteger las pantallas de los teléfonos del daño causado por el agua.インペリアル・カレッジのチームが、スマートフォンの画面を水から保護できる疎水性スプレーを開発した。임페리얼 칼리지의 연구팀이 스마트폰 화면을 물로부터 보호할 수 있는 소수성 스프레이를 개발했다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, professional
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Greek hydro- (water) and phobos (fear). The term gained currency in early 20th-century colloid chemistry alongside its counterpart hydrophilic.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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