What term describes a substance that is 'oil-loving' and attracted to fats and oils?

The term that describes a substance that is 'oil-loving' and attracted to fats and oils is lipophilic. This term comes from "lipo," meaning lipid or fat, and "philic," meaning loving or having an affinity for. When a substance is lipophilic, it can easily dissolve in oils or fats, making it highly compatible with lipid-based environments. This characteristic is particularly important in various fields, such as chemistry, biology, and cosmetology, where the interaction between different types of substances affects formulation and application.

Hydrophilic refers to a substance that has an affinity for water, while amphipathic describes molecules that possess both hydrophilic and hydrophobic (water-repelling) properties, allowing them to interact with both water and oils. Soluble indicates the ability of a substance to dissolve in another substance, but it does not specify the nature of that solubility in relation to oils or fats specifically. Thus, lipophilic is the most accurate term to describe an oil-loving substance.