hydrophobes
Those dreading water
Hydrophobes are substances or molecules that repel water or fail to mix with it—oils, waxes, and fats are common examples.
The term comes from Greek roots meaning "water-fearing." In chemistry, hydrophobic molecules lack the polar structure needed to interact with water, causing them to cluster together rather than dissolve: The hydrophobes in the mixture separated into a distinct layer.
Resisting water penetration
- TeflonNonstick pan coating
- polyethyleneThermoplastic from ethylene gas
- siliconeFlexible synthetic polymer
- waxPliable waterproof substance
oil · grease · coating · fluorocarbons · plastics · polypropylene · gore-tex · paraffin
Electrically balanced molecule type
- lipophilicAttracted to fatty substances
- hydrocarbonAll-carbon-and-hydrogen compound
- oleophobicRepelling oily substances
- membraneThin tissue sheet
lipid · surfactant · alkane · cholesterol · triglyceride · phospholipid · micelle · solubility
water-repellent
Resisting water penetration
- TeflonNonstick pan coating
- polyethyleneThermoplastic from ethylene gas
- siliconeFlexible synthetic polymer
wax · oil · grease · coating · fluorocarbons · plastics · polypropylene · gore-tex · paraffin · silane
nonpolar
Electrically balanced molecule type
- lipophilicAttracted to fatty substances
- hydrocarbonAll-carbon-and-hydrogen compound
- oleophobicRepelling oily substances
membrane · lipid · surfactant · alkane · cholesterol · triglyceride · phospholipid · micelle · solubility · immiscible
raincoat
Waterproof outer garment
- waterproofImpervious to moisture
- umbrellaHandheld rain shelter
- galoshesWaterproof shoe covers
poncho · tarpaulin · awning · gutters · shelter · canopy · roofing · overhang · gazebo · water-resistant
repelled
Drove away forcefully
hydrophobesswimmers
Those propelling through water
divers · surfers · beach lovers · aquatic creatures · fish