colligative

[kol-i-gey-tiv]

adjective

Physical Chemistry.

1. (of the properties of a substance) depending on the number of molecules or atoms rather than on their nature.

colligative

/ kəˈlɪɡətɪv /

adjective

1. (of a physical property of a substance) depending on the concentrations of atoms, ions, and molecules that are present rather than on their nature

Word History and Origins

Origin of colligative¹

First recorded in 1900–05; colligate + -ive

Example Sentences

Water containing dissolved solids such as salt and sweeteners are affected by something we refer to as colligative properties.

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The basic mechanism of cryoprotection in wood frogs is related to the colligative properties of body fluids, particularly a reduction in the absolute freezing point of total body water.

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The first set provides evidence as to the molecular weight of a substance: these are termed “colligative properties.”

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Volume Relations.17—When dealing with colligative properties of liquids it is equally necessary to ensure comparability of conditions.

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