Final answer:
The prefix 'hydro' stands for 'water' and is used to describe things that interact with water, with 'hydrophobia' meaning a fear of water, while 'hydrophobic' refers to substances repelling water.
Step-by-step explanation:
The prefix 'hydro' in the word hydrophobia means water. This prefix is often used in scientific terms to describe things related to or interacting with water. Hydrophobia itself refers to a fear of water, but when talking about chemistry or biology, hydrophobic substances refer to those that repel water, do not dissolve in it, or are not wetted by water. On the other hand, hydrophilic substances are the opposite, indicating a love for or an affinity towards water, where they can mix with, be wetted by, or dissolve in water.
For example, hydrophobic means 'water-fearing' and refers to substances that repel water, while hydrophilic means 'water-loving' and refers to substances that dissolve or mix with water. So, the prefix 'hydro' in the word hydrophobia indicates a strong connection to water.