hydrophobic crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Stuck on "hydrophobic crossword clue"? You've come to the right place! We provide quick, accurate, and comprehensive solutions along with detailed explanations to help you conquer your crossword puzzle.
Solutions for "hydrophobic crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
GREASY: Often used to describe substances like oil or fat that naturally repel water, fitting the practical application of a hydrophobic material.
8 Letters
NONPOLAR: A chemical term describing molecules that do not have distinct positive and negative poles, making them insoluble in polar solvents like water.
9 Letters
REPELLENT: A substance designed to resist or drive away water, directly reflecting the action or property of something that is hydrophobic.
10 Letters
AQUAPHOBIC: A direct synonym for 'hydrophobic' when referring to an extreme or irrational fear of water, often used in psychological contexts.
More About "hydrophobic crossword clue"
The term "hydrophobic" combines the Greek root "hydro-" meaning water, and "-phobic" meaning fearing or repelling. In a scientific context, it describes the tendency of nonpolar molecules to avoid water molecules, often clumping together in an aqueous solution. This property is crucial in many biological processes, like the formation of cell membranes, and in industrial applications, such as waterproof coatings.
When "hydrophobic crossword clue" appears in a puzzle, constructors might be looking for a direct synonym, a scientific property, or a common example of something that exhibits this characteristic. Consider the context of the puzzle: is it a general knowledge crossword, or one focused on science or chemistry? This can guide your choice of answer.
Understanding the dual meaning – both the literal fear of water and the chemical property of water-repellence – is key to successfully navigating this type of clue. Our provided answers cover these different interpretations, offering a complete set of possibilities for your puzzle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Break Down Complex Clues: For scientific or multi-part clues like "hydrophobic," try to break them into their root words (e.g., "hydro" + "phobic"). This often reveals the core meaning and potential answers.
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Many words have more than one meaning. "Hydrophobic" can mean a fear of water or the property of repelling water. Always think about all possible interpretations of a clue.
- Look at Letter Counts: If you have some letters filled in or a specific length is required, use that to narrow down your options from a list of possible answers. Our site organizes answers by letter count for this very reason.
- Think of Real-World Examples: Sometimes the answer isn't the scientific term itself but a common item or action that demonstrates the concept. For "hydrophobic," think of things that don't mix with water, like oil or wax.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "hydrophobic" mean in a general context?
"Hydrophobic" literally means "water-fearing." In chemistry, it describes the physical property of a molecule (hydrophobe) that is repelled from a mass of water. These molecules tend to be nonpolar and prefer to interact with other neutral molecules and nonpolar solvents rather than water.
How can understanding word origins help solve clues like "hydrophobic"?
Many crossword clues, especially those involving scientific or technical terms, rely on etymology. "Hydro-" means water, and "-phobic" means fearing or repelling. Knowing these roots can lead you to answers like AQUAPHOBIC, or to concepts like water-repelling or water-hating, guiding you to related terms such as REPELLENT or NONPOLAR.
Are there common patterns for scientific or chemical crossword clues?
Yes, crosswords often use prefixes like "hydro-", "thermo-", "bio-", or suffixes like "-phile" (loving), "-gen" (producing), "-lysis" (breaking down). Look for scientific principles, properties (like "polar" or "soluble"), or common examples of substances that exhibit these properties. Sometimes, the clue might hint at the application of a scientific concept, rather than the concept itself.