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Nonpolar vs Hydrophobic - What's the difference?

nonpolar | hydrophobic |

As adjectives the difference between nonpolar and hydrophobic

is that nonpolar is not containing a dipole while hydrophobic is of, or having hydrophobia (rabies).

nonpolar

Adjective

(-)
  • (physics) Not containing a dipole.
  • (chemistry) Not ionic; not dissociating into ions when dissolved in water etc.
  • hydrophobic

    English

    Etymology 1

    Adjective

    (-)
  • Of, or having hydrophobia (rabies).
  • Etymology 2

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • (physics, chemistry) Lacking an affinity for water; unable to absorb, or be wetted by water.
  • Derived terms
    * (lacking an affinity for water) superhydrophobic
    Antonyms
    * (lacking an affinity for water) hydrophilic