adjective
Chemistry(of a colloid) readily dispersed by a solvent and not easily precipitated.
‘Association colloids are formed in solutions of molecules that include both lyophilic and lyophobic regions.’- ‘An example of a lyophilic colloid is the gelatin sol.’
- ‘A surface active molecule consists of a lyophobic and a lyophilic group.’
Origin
Early 20th century from Greek luein ‘loosen, dissolve’ + philos ‘loving’.
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