raphides

American  

[raf-i-deez] / ˈræf ɪˌdiz /

plural noun

Botany.

singular

raphide, raphis

1. acicular crystals, usually composed of calcium oxalate, that occur in bundles in the cells of many plants.

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Etymology

Origin of raphides

1835–45; < New Latin < Greek rhaphídes, plural of rhaphís needle

Example Sentences

Accordingly, four plants containing raphides were selected, two of which, the Calla cassia and Indian turnip, were highly acrid, and two, the Fuchsia and Tradescantia, or Wandering Jew, were perfectly bland to the taste.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 829, November 21, 1891 by Various

The filtered ether was clear, entirely free from raphides, and had also lost every trace of its acridity.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 829, November 21, 1891 by Various

Crystals, called raphides, in the wood cells, take the edges off tools used in working locust lumber.

From Trees Worth Knowing by Rogers, Julia Ellen

These experiments show conclusively that the acridity of the Indian turnip and calla is due to the raphides of calcium oxalate only.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 829, November 21, 1891 by Various

The expressed juice was limpid and filled with raphides.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 829, November 21, 1891 by Various