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the physical or chemical property of a molecule or substance that is attracted to water (and may be dissolved in water).

hydrophilic (Wikipedia)

A hydrophile is a molecule or other molecular entity that is attracted to water molecules and tends to be dissolved by water.

Schedorhinotermes termites use hydrophilic surfaces on body and wings to attach themselves to plants they colonize.

In contrast, hydrophobes are not attracted to water and may seem to be repelled by it. Hygroscopics are attracted to water, but are not dissolved by water.

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