colloidal

American  

[kuh-loid-l] / kəˈlɔɪd l /

adjective

Physical Chemistry.

1. pertaining to or of the nature of a colloid.

   colloidal gold and silver.

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colloidal British  

/ ˌkɒˈlɔɪdəl, ˌkɒlɔɪˈdælɪtɪ /

adjective

1. of, denoting, or having the character of a colloid

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Other Word Forms

• colloidality noun
• colloidally adverb
• noncolloidal adjective
• semicolloidal adjective

Etymology

Origin of colloidal

First recorded in 1860–65; colloid + -al ¹

Example Sentences

They can determine where crystallization occurs, reshape and "sculpt" the structures, and enhance their uniformity and size to create larger and more intricate colloidal assemblies.

From Science Daily • Mar. 2, 2026

Such colloidal particles -- small solid particles suspended in a fluid phase -- can be seen as an excellent way to measure and also manipulate the motion of the living cells' membrane.

From Science Daily • Mar. 6, 2024

The researchers' device represents the first hydrovoltaic application of a technique called nanosphere colloidal lithography, which allowed them to create a hexagonal network of precisely spaced silicon nanopillars.

From Science Daily • Mar. 6, 2024

The Love Has Won cult attracted more New Age types, while on the far-right so-called “preppers” and “survivalists” have colloidal silver in their survival kits.

From Salon • Jan. 7, 2024

Dial�ysis, the process by means of which a crystalline substance may be separated from a colloidal body.

From The New Gresham Encyclopedia Volume 4, Part 1: Deposition to Eberswalde by Various