water-repellent

[/ˈwɔːtər rɪˈpelənt/]
adjective/noun
repelente à água
1. adjective: treated with a substance that prevents water from penetrating or being absorbed; resistant to water penetration
This water-repellent fabric is perfect for rain jackets.
Este tecido repelente à água é perfeito para jaquetas de chuva.
2. noun: a substance or treatment applied to materials to make them resistant to water
The manufacturer applied a water-repellent to the coat.
O fabricante aplicou um repelente à água no casaco.
3. adjective: capable of resisting moisture without becoming saturated
The water-repellent coating protects the leather shoes.
O revestimento repelente à água protege os sapatos de couro.
In Brazil, water-repellent products are increasingly popular due to the tropical climate with frequent rainfall. The term is commonly used in marketing for outdoor clothing, furniture, and automotive products. Portuguese prefers 'repelente à água' in most contexts, while technical industries may use 'hidrofóbico'. In the USA, this term is extensively used in marketing and product descriptions for outdoor gear, particularly important in regions with heavy precipitation.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
water-resistantmoisture-resistanthydrophobicwater-proofdamp-proof
Antonyms / Antônimos
water-absorbenthydrophilicmoisture-absorbingwater-permeable

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
repelente à água
most common and standard usage
General Brazilian
impermeável à água
alternative translation, though technically slightly different (waterproof vs water-repellent)
São Paulo
hidrofóbico
more technical/scientific term used in textile and materials industries
Portugal
repelente de água
slightly different word order preference in European Portuguese

Related Words

waterproofhydrophobicmoisture-resistantprotective coatingtextile treatment

Related Idioms & Phrases

water off a duck's back - something that doesn't affect or stick to someone
to shed water like a duck - to repel water naturally
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