colloid

[ kol-oid ]

/ ˈkɒl ɔɪd /

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noun

Physical Chemistry. a substance made up of a system of particles with linear dimensions in the range of about 10−7 to 5 × 10−5 centimeters dispersed in a continuous gaseous, liquid, or solid medium whose properties depend on the large specific surface area. The particles can be large molecules like proteins, or solid, liquid, or gaseous aggregates and they remain dispersed indefinitely.Compare aerosol, emulsion, gel, sol⁴, suspension.

Medicine/Medical. a colloidal substance in the body, as a stored secretion or a cyst.

adjective

Physical Chemistry. colloidal.

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Origin of colloid

First recorded in 1840–50; from Greek kóll(a) “glue” + -oid

OTHER WORDS FROM colloid

non·col·loid, nounsem·i·col·loid, noun

Words nearby colloid

Collodi, collodion, collodion baby, collodion process, collogue, colloid, colloid acne, colloidal, colloidal gel, colloidal solution, colloidal suspension

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use colloid in a sentence

The charge on a colloid seems to be liable to variation with the nature of the liquid in which it is suspended.
The Elements of Qualitative Chemical Analysis, vol. 1, parts 1 and 2.|Julius Stieglitz
In fact, no exact knowledge of the source of electrification of any colloid has yet been obtained.
The Elements of Qualitative Chemical Analysis, vol. 1, parts 1 and 2.|Julius Stieglitz
We may even have one and the same substance—either organic or inorganic—in both conditions, as crystal or as colloid.
The Wonders of Life|Ernst Haeckel
A colloid globule suspended in a salt solution in which it is not dissolved may grow by intussusception.
The Wonders of Life|Ernst Haeckel

There remains the question of the precipitation of the tanning colloid at the interface.
Animal Proteins|Hugh Garner Bennett

British Dictionary definitions for colloid

colloid

/ (ˈkɒlɔɪd) /

noun

Also called: colloidal solution, colloidal suspension a mixture having particles of one component, with diameters between 10 –7 and 10 –9 metres, suspended in a continuous phase of another component. The mixture has properties between those of a solution and a fine suspension

the solid suspended phase in such a mixture

obsolete a substance that in solution does not penetrate a semipermeable membraneCompare crystalloid (def. 2)

physiol a gelatinous substance of the thyroid follicles that holds the hormonal secretions of the thyroid gland

adjective

pathol of or relating to the gluelike translucent material found in certain degenerating tissues

of, denoting, or having the character of a colloid

Word Origin for colloid

C19: from Greek kolla glue + -oid

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

Medical definitions for colloid

colloid

[ kŏl′oid′ ]

A suspension of finely divided particles in a continuous medium from which the particles do not settle out rapidly and are not readily filtered.

The particulate matter so suspended.

The gelatinous stored secretion of the thyroid gland, consisting mainly of thyroglobulin.

Gelatinous material resulting from colloid degeneration in diseased tissue.colloidin

adj.

Of, relating to, containing, or having the nature of a colloid.

Other words from colloid

col•loi′dal (kə-loid′l, kŏ-) adj.

Scientific definitions for colloid

colloid

[ kŏl′oid′ ]

A mixture in which very small particles of one substance are distributed evenly throughout another substance. The particles are generally larger than those in a solution, and smaller than those in a suspension. Paints, milk, and fog are colloids. Compare solution suspension.

Cultural definitions for colloid

colloid

[ (kol-oyd) ]

A substance made up of particles that are larger than most molecules; these particles do not actually dissolve in substances but stay suspended in them.

notes for colloid

Fog, paints, and foam rubber are colloids.