What term is used to describe substances that have an attraction to water?

The term that describes substances with an attraction to water is "hydrophilic." These substances have polar or charged regions that can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules, which allows them to dissolve in water easily. Common examples of hydrophilic substances include salts and sugars, which readily interact with water due to their molecular structure.

Understanding hydrophilic substances is essential in biological contexts, as they play critical roles in processes such as nutrient transport, cell membrane behavior, and biochemical reactions, where water acts as a solvent. In contrast, substances considered hydrophobic repulse water and do not dissolve in it, while lipophilic refers to substances that have an affinity for fats and oils. Amphipathic molecules possess both hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties, which enables them to interact with both water and lipids, but the term specifically indicating attraction to water is hydrophilic.