How Do You Spell AMPHIPHILIC?

Pronunciation: [ˌamfɪfˈɪlɪk] (IPA)

The word "amphiphilic" is spelled with the letter "ph" instead of "f" because it is derived from the Greek word "amphiphílos" which contains the Greek letter "phi" (pronounced as /f/ in English). The IPA phonetic transcription of "amphiphilic" is /æmfiˈfɪlɪk/. The word describes a molecule that has both hydrophilic (water-loving) and hydrophobic (water-fearing) properties, which is important in various fields such as chemistry and biology. Proper spelling of technical terms like "amphiphilic" is crucial for clear communication in these fields.

AMPHIPHILIC Meaning and Definition

  1. Amphiphilic is a term used to describe a molecule or a substance that has both hydrophilic (water-loving) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) properties. The word is derived from the Greek words "amphi" meaning "both" and "philos" meaning "loving."

    In chemistry, an amphiphilic compound typically consists of a hydrophobic region and a hydrophilic region within its chemical structure. This type of molecule can interact with both polar and nonpolar environments due to the distinct nature of these regions. The hydrophilic portion of the molecule tends to interact favorably with water or other polar solvents, while the hydrophobic region repels water and tends to interact with nonpolar substances. This unique property is especially important in biological systems where the presence of both water and hydrophobic substances is prevalent.

    Amphiphilic substances have a wide range of applications and play critical roles in many biological processes. For instance, in cell membranes, phospholipids are an example of amphiphilic molecules that form the lipid bilayer. This arrangement allows the hydrophobic tails to be shielded from the surrounding aqueous environment while the hydrophilic heads interact with the water molecules on either side of the membrane.

    Overall, amphiphilic compounds exhibit a dual affinity for both polar and nonpolar substances, making them crucial components in various biological, chemical, and physical systems.

Common Misspellings for AMPHIPHILIC

Etymology of AMPHIPHILIC

The word amphiphilic is derived from the Greek terms amphi meaning both or double and philos meaning loving.