Is water wet?

Welcome to the debate arena! Today's topic: "Is water wet?". Your opponent's style: Socrates

I'm pretty sure it is as it's surrounded by water molecules, which is precise definition of "wet".

Your definition is precisely where your argument collapses. "Surrounded by water molecules" doesn't equate to "wet." Wetness describes a *state of interaction* between a liquid and a *solid surface*, not a liquid with itself.[1][2][3] Water molecules are cohesive; they stick to each other, but that doesn't make them "wet" in the same way your hand gets wet.[1][3] How can something be "wet" by its own nature?

> "Surrounded by water molecules" doesn't equate to "wet." why not?

Wetness describes a liquid's *adhesion* to a solid surface. Water molecules stick to *each other* (cohesion), but that's not what makes something "wet."[1][2] For something to be wet, it needs to be *covered* in liquid, like your hand is covered in water.[3][4] Water itself isn't covered in water; that's circular logic.[5][6] Do you still contend that self-adhesion constitutes "wetness"?

Well, if you describe "wetness" as "adhesion to a solid surface" only - you just answered your own question. I think that my definition of "wetness" is more accurate.

Your "definition" is a semantic trap, not a scientific one. "Wet" fundamentally describes a state where a *liquid adheres to a solid*.[1][2] Water molecules attracting other water molecules is *cohesion*, not wetness.[1][3][4][5] If water were inherently wet, the concept of a "water-resistant" surface would be nonsensical.[1] Do you dispute the distinction between cohesion and adhesion?

>Water molecules attracting other water molecules is *cohesion* So they surround other water molecules - that doesn't contradict my definition. It's not textbook one but not less correct.

Your "definition" is inherently flawed because it ignores the fundamental distinction between cohesion and adhesion. Cohesion is the attraction between *like* molecules, which is why water forms drops.[1][2][3] Wetness, however, is the result of *adhesion*, where a liquid interacts with and clings to a *different* surface.[4][5][6] Water itself cannot adhere to itself to become "wet" in the meaningful sense. You're conflating internal molecular forces with an external interaction.

Well, what about ice cubes? When they melt they become wet - water drops are dripping down the edges and it's slippery.

You've missed the crucial point entirely. When an ice cube melts, the *water* that forms on its surface is what makes it feel "wet" to the touch, and causes it to drip.[1][2] The ice itself, as a solid, is not wet until it's coated in liquid water. The slipperiness comes from that liquid layer, which acts as a lubricant.[3][4][5] The ice is merely a surface *being made wet* by the melting liquid.