Hydrophilic

A qualitative term referring to the water-preferring nature of a species.

Hydrophobic

A qualitative term referring to the water-avoiding nature of a species. A functional group of a molecule that is not very water-soluble is referred to as a hydrophobe.

Lipophilic

The (usually fatty) organic-liquid-preferring nature of a species. The part of a molecule that is organic-liquid-preferring in nature is referred to as a lipophile.

Lipophobic

The (usually fatty) organic-liquid-avoiding nature of a species. The part of a molecule that is organic-liquid-avoiding in nature is referred to as a lipophobe.

Lyophilic

General term referring to the continuous-medium- (or solvent)-preferring nature of a species.

Lyophobic

General term referring to the continuous-medium- (or solvent)-avoiding nature of a species.

Oleophilic

The oil-preferring nature of a species. A synonym for lipophilic.

Oleophobic

The oil-avoiding nature of a species. A synonym for lipophobic.

For additional definitions and explanations, more complete dictionaries are available. See:

Dictionary of Colloid and Interface Science

The Language of Colloid and Interface Science

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