What does wettability mean?
Wettability is the degree to which a liquid can wet a surface, meaning how readily it spreads across and adheres to that surface rather than remaining in discrete droplets. The term is especially important in surface chemistry, materials science, printing, coatings, and manufacturing. A highly wettable surface allows water or another liquid to spread readily, whereas a poorly wettable surface causes the liquid to bead or collect. Wettability can vary with the liquid, the texture and cleanliness of the surface, and the presence of coatings or contaminants. The word is also used when discussing inks, paints, adhesives, biomedical materials, and environmental interactions with surfaces. Although it sounds formal and highly technical, it names a familiar phenomenon: the different ways water behaves on wax, glass, fabric, metal, and synthetic materials.
nounThe degree to which a surface can be wetted by a liquid, especially as characterized by the liquid’s spreading and adherence to that surface.
- The degree to which a solid surface can be wetted by a liquid, particularly how readily the liquid spreads and adheres to it.
"The coating was applied to improve the wettability of the surface."
"The researchers measured how the wettability of the coating changed after it was exposed to ultraviolet light."
"High wettability is desirable when a material is intended to mix readily with water."
The plural is uncommon because the word is normally used as an uncountable noun, but it can distinguish the separate wettability properties of multiple materials or surfaces.
"The two fabrics have very different wettabilities."
Wettability explains why water beads on a waxed surface but spreads across clean glass.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of wettability
Wettability is an English compound formed from wet and the suffix -ability, which expresses capacity, capability, or quality. The suffix comes through French from Latin forms associated with habilis, meaning “able.” In modern English, the compound is particularly associated with the scientific study of liquids and surfaces.
How wettability is actually used
This is a specialized, usually uncountable noun used chiefly in surface chemistry, materials science, printing, coatings, and related technical fields. It is uncommon in general conversation.
Easily confused with wettability
Wetness is the state or condition of being wet, whereas wettability is a surface’s capacity or tendency to be wetted by a liquid.