Is water wet? I understand the dictionary definition of "wet" is "covered or saturated with water or another liquid." But, if we consider a single, solitary H2O molecule, it’s not wet. It’s just water. Wetness seems to describe the state of something coming into contact with water. Therefore, can water itself truly be wet, or is it only things other than water that can experience wetness because of water? Considering the interaction of water molecules with each other through hydrogen bonding, does this collective interaction constitute "wetness" within the body of water itself? I’m looking for a nuanced explanation that considers both the linguistic definition and the physical interactions involved.

Answer

Whether or not water is "wet" is a semantic debate that hinges on the definition of "wet."

Definitions and Perspectives

• Wet as a condition: If "wet" means "covered or saturated with water or another liquid," then water itself isn’t wet. A single molecule of H2O can’t be covered or saturated with itself.

• Wet as a sensation or effect: If "wet" describes the sensation of water adhering to a surface and altering its properties (making it slippery, darker, etc.), then water can be considered wet. Water causes other things to become wet, and this process involves water molecules interacting with each other.

• Wet as interaction: Wetness might be defined as the ability of a liquid to adhere to a surface and spread. Water has these properties (surface tension, adhesion), making it capable of causing other substances to be wet. Therefore, from this perspective, water exhibits the characteristics that define wetness. Water interacts with itself through hydrogen bonding.

Arguments Against Water Being Wet

• Redundancy: To say water is wet is like saying fire is fiery. "Wet" is a state caused by water. Water causes wetness, it doesn’t possess wetness. Wetness is a description of something affected by water.

Arguments For Water Being Wet

• Water’s Properties: Water molecules are attracted to each other. A collection of water molecules exhibits properties like surface tension and viscosity. These properties contribute to the sensation and effect of wetness. The interaction of water molecules with each other can be seen as a form of "wetting."
• Everyday Usage: In common language, we often use "wet" to describe conditions where water is present, even if it’s only water interacting with itself (e.g., "It’s wet outside," implying the presence of rain or dew).

Conclusion

The answer depends on the definition of "wet." There is no single universally agreed-upon answer. From a purely scientific standpoint focusing on a single molecule, water is not wet. From a more pragmatic perspective considering the interactions between water molecules and the effects water has, water can be considered wet.