Meaning of the word hydrophobic in English

What does hydrophobic mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

hydrophobic

US /ˌhaɪdroʊˈfoʊbɪk/
UK /ˌhaɪdrəʊˈfəʊbɪk/
"hydrophobic" picture

Adjective

1.

tending to repel or fail to mix with water

Example:
The leaves of the lotus plant have a hydrophobic surface that keeps them clean.
Oil is hydrophobic, which is why it does not dissolve in water.
2.

relating to or suffering from rabies

Example:
In older medical texts, rabies was often referred to as a hydrophobic disease.
The patient exhibited hydrophobic symptoms, a classic sign of advanced rabies.