clathrate

American  

[klath-reyt] / ˈklæθ reɪt /

adjective

1. Biology. resembling a lattice; divided or marked like latticework.

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noun

1. Chemistry. a substance in which a molecule of one compound fills a cavity within the crystal lattice of another compound.

clathrate British  

/ ˈklæθreɪt /

adjective

1. resembling a net or lattice

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noun

1. chem a solid compound in which molecules of one substance are physically trapped in the crystal lattice of another

Etymology

Origin of clathrate

1615–25; < Latin clāt ( h ) rātus, past participle of clāt ( h ) rāre to fit with bars, verbal derivative of clāt ( h ) ra bars, lattice < Greek, Doric equivalent of Attic klâithra, plural of klêithron bar; see clithral