An organic compound that contains both hydrophilic (having water affinity) and hydrophobic (having no water affinity) portions (amphi = both). The molecule is therefore both hydrophilic and lipophilic (fat loving), Examples include surfactants, detergents, soaps and phosopholipids. Such a compound is known as amphiphilic or amphipathic.

If a substance is both hydrophile and lipophile it is designated amphiphile. Such a substance is water-attractive and oil-attractive as well. Amphiphile substances usually are essential components of cleaning agents (tensides).