Speakur

Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

amphipathic

/ˌæm.fəˈpæ.θɪk/

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: 1.42 in modern English

Syllables
am-phi-path-ic
IPA
/ˌæm.fəˈpæ.θɪk/
25
Scrabble Score
11
Letters
4
Syllables
7
Unique Chars

Meaning

adj

Describing a molecule, such as a detergent, which has both hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups.

adj

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

From amphi- + Ancient Greek παθικός (pathikós, “remaining passive in a sexual intercourse”), from Ancient Greek ἀμφί (amphí, “on both sides”).

Origin

Word Breakdown

Regional Pronunciation

  • American English: /ˌæm.fəˈpæ.θɪk/
  • British English: /ˌam.fɪˈpaθ.ɪk/

Derived Forms

amphipathicity

Frequently Paired Words

amphiprotic amphoteric surfactant

Synonyms

amphiphilic

Rhymes With

empathetic telepathic empathic pathic theopathic isobathic thyropathic mitochondriopathic

Questions

How do you pronounce amphipathic?
The recorded pronunciation is /ˌæm.fəˈpæ.θɪk/.
What does amphipathic mean?
Describing a molecule, such as a detergent, which has both hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups.
Where does amphipathic come from?
It is traced to Ancient Greek.

How to pronounce amphipathic

  1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “amphipathic”.
  2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ˌæm.fəˈpæ.θɪk/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
  3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “amphipathic”.
  4. Repeat and practice — Say “amphipathic” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.