What is the correct definition of 'lipophilic'?

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The term 'lipophilic' refers to a substance's affinity for fats and oils. It is derived from the Greek words for "fat" (lipo) and "loving" (philic). Substances that are lipophilic tend to dissolve well in non-polar solvents like oils but do not mix well with polar solvents like water. Therefore, a lipophilic compound would be one that is attracted to and interacts readily with oil, making 'oil loving' the most accurate definition.

In contrast, substances that are 'hydrophilic' are water-loving and would not be considered lipophilic. This distinction helps in understanding the behavior of various chemicals in biological systems, especially in terms of drug delivery, absorption, and formulation. Understanding these terms is crucial in fields such as pharmacology and biochemistry, where the solubility and interaction of compounds can significantly affect their biological activity and effectiveness.

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