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.
Related terms
* nonpolarity
hydrophobic
English
Etymology 1
Adjective
(-)
Of, or having hydrophobia (rabies).
Related terms
* (hydrophobia) aquaphobic
Etymology 2
Adjective
(
en adjective)
(physics, chemistry) Lacking an affinity for water; unable to absorb, or be wetted by water.
Related terms
* (lacking an affinity for water) hydrophobe
Derived terms
* (lacking an affinity for water) superhydrophobic
Antonyms
* (lacking an affinity for water) hydrophilic
Related terms
* (lacking an affinity for water) oleophobic