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Definition

noun, plural: hydrophobes

(chemistry) A compound or material that is hydrophobic or water repelling.

Supplement

Hydrophobes tend to be non-polar since water is a polar molecule. Examples of hydrophobes are alkanes, oils, and fats.

Word origin: Attic Greek hydro- for water and phobos for fear.

Related forms: hydrophobicity (noun), hydrophobic (adjective).

Compare: hydrophile.