the physical or chemical property of a molecule or substance that is attracted to water (and may be dissolved in water).

Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
hydrophilic (adjective)
of, relating to, or having a strong affinity for water - hydrophilic proteins
hydrophilic (Wikipedia)
Schedorhinotermes termites use hydrophilic surfaces on body and wings to attach themselves to plants they colonize.

A hydrophile is a molecule or other molecular entity that is attracted to water molecules and tends to be dissolved by water. In contrast, hydrophobes are not attracted to water and may seem to be repelled by it.

« Back to Glossary Index