amphipathic

English

/ˌam.fɪˈpaθ.ɪk/, /ˌæm.fəˈpæ.θɪk/

adj
Definitions
  • (chemistry) Describing a molecule, such as a detergent, which has both hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups.
  • (biochemistry) Of the surface(s) on a protein, particularly an alpha helix, where one surface of the alpha helix has hydrophilic amino acids and the opposite face has hydrophobic (or lipophilic) amino acids.

Etymology

Affix from Ancient Greek παθικός (passive, remaining passive in a sexual intercourse), ἀμφί (on both sides, around, about, both, all around, facing, all over, for).

Origin

Ancient Greek

ἀμφί

Gloss

on both sides, around, about, both, all around, facing, all over, for

Kanji

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms