water-repellent Meaning
Water-Repellent
Definition:
Water-repellent refers to a property or quality of a material that resists the penetration of water. It indicates that the surface of the material has been treated or naturally possesses qualities that cause water to bead up and roll off, rather than being absorbed.
Usage:
The term is commonly used in the context of fabrics, coatings, and finishes. For example, one might say, “The jacket is water-repellent, making it suitable for rainy weather,” or “Water-repellent treatments are often applied to outdoor gear.”
Etymology:
The term “water-repellent” is composed of two parts:
- “Water,” deriving from Old English ‘wæter,’ which has Germanic roots.
- “Repellent,” from Latin ‘repellentem,’ meaning to drive back, which combines the prefix “re-” meaning back and “pellere,” meaning to drive.
Pronunciation:
/wɔːtər rɪˈpɛlənt/ (British English: /ˈwɔːtə rɪˈpɛlənt/)
Synonyms:
- Water-resistant
- Waterproof (though waterproof usually implies a stronger level of protection)
- Hydrophobic (specifically in a scientific context)
Antonyms:
- Water-absorbing
- Hydrophilic
- Water-permeable
In summary, “water-repellent” describes materials that effectively resist water, leading them to have practical applications in various industries, from textiles to coatings.
- The new jacket is made from a water-repellent fabric that keeps you dry during unexpected rain showers.
- She applied a water-repellent coating to her shoes to prevent them from getting soaked.
- The contractor recommended a water-repellent sealant for the outdoor wooden deck to protect it from moisture.
- His water-repellent phone case survived a drop into the pool without any damage.
- The water-repellent surface of the tent ensured that it remained dry inside despite the heavy downpour outside.
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