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Glite Dictionary
oleophilic

oleophilic

9.9
Attracting and holding oil rather than water
  • adjective
  • /ˌoʊliəˈfɪlɪk/
  • Specialized
translation icon : oleofílico
  • The oleophilic coating on the fabric allows it to absorb oil spills effectively.

Examples

  • An oleophilic membrane can selectively separate oil from water in filtration systems.

  • Materials with oleophilic properties are often used in environmental cleanup.

  • The oleophilic material attracted the oil spill quickly.

  • Many oleophilic substances are used in industrial applications.

  • An oleophilic membrane can selectively separate oil from water in filtration systems.

  • The oleophilic coating on the fabric allows it to absorb oil spills effectively.

  • Materials with oleophilic properties are often used in environmental cleanup.

Synonyms

fat-soluble
vsoleophilic
  • Specialized
1 4.2

Able to dissolve in fat or oil rather than water

tends to bind or absorb into greasy liquids instead of just dissolving
lipophilic
vsoleophilic
  • Specialized
1 8.6

Able to dissolve in fats and oils

shows a stronger tendency to absorb or combine with greasy substances
oil-soluble
vsoleophilic
  • Specialized
1 5.8

Able to mix with oil rather than with water

is about attraction and absorption rather than only dissolving in greasy liquid

Antonyms

oleophobic
  • Specialized
9.9

A surface that does not let oil stick to it

Surface Forms

oleophilic positive

Morphology

oleophilic = oleophile (semi-transparent) = oleo + phil + ic

The adjective is formed from the technical base 'oleophile' with the regular adjective-forming suffix -ic.

Etymology

The word oleophilic splits into oleo- meaning 'oil' and -philic meaning 'loving' or 'attracted to'. So, oleophilic describes something that 'likes' oil and will absorb or hold oil rather than water.