oleophilic

[ oh-lee-oh-fil-ik ]

adjective

, Chemistry.

1. of or relating to a substance that has an affinity for oils and not for water. Compare hydrophobic ( def 2 ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of oleophilic¹

First recorded in 1955–60; oleo- + -philic

Example Sentences

Rival teams have applied nanotechnology to the problem to produce ultra-lightweight sponges that are oleophilic and hydrophobic - they love oil but repel water.

From Reuters

Smart Sponge, as Abtech’s product is called, is made out of extruded plastic in a secret process that makes the sponge highly oleophilic yet hydrophobic.

From Forbes