clathrate

[klath-reyt]

adjective

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

noun

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

Compare adduct.

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

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British Dictionary definitions for clathrate

clathrate

adjective

resembling a net or lattice

noun

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

Word Origin for clathrate

C17: from Latin clāthrāre to provide with a lattice, from Greek klēthra, from klaithron a bar

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

clathrate in Medicine

clathrate

[klăth′rāt′]

adj.

Having a latticelike structure or appearance.

Of or relating to inclusion complexes in a chemical compound in which molecules of one substance are completely enclosed within the crystal structure of another.

n.

A clathrate compound, such as urea.