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; clithral

Example Sentences

Johnson placed the proteins in the pressure vessel and adjusted the system to mimic the pressure and temperature conditions required for clathrate formation.

From Science Daily • Sep. 27, 2023

The simulations allowed the team to identify the specific site where the protein binds to the methane clathrate.

From Science Daily • Sep. 27, 2023

They also performed just as well as, if not better than, the toxic commercial clathrate inhibitors currently used in drilling that pose serious environmental threats.

From Science Daily • Sep. 27, 2023

Jacobson, L. C., Hujo, W. & Molinero, V. Thermodynamic stability and growth of guest-free clathrate hydrates: a low-density crystal phase of water.

From Nature • Nov. 7, 2017

Clath′rose, crossed by deep rectangular furrows; Clath′rulate, finely clathrate.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D) by Various