crystalloid

[kris-tl-oid]

noun

a usually crystallizable substance that, when dissolved in a liquid, will diffuse readily through vegetable or animal membranes.

Botany. one of certain minute crystallike granules of protein, found in the tissues of various seeds.

adjective

resembling a crystal.

of the nature of a crystalloid.

Origin of crystalloid

From the Greek word krystalloeidḗs, dating back to 1860–65. See crystall-, -oid

Related formscrys·tal·loi·dal, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for crystalloid

Historical Examples of crystalloid

This arises from the fact that the molecules of a colloid are extremely large when compared with those of a crystalloid.
The Mechanism of Life
Stphane Leduc
The effect is produced by using a crystalloid band upon which the images are painted as represented at A in our engraving.
Magic, Stage Illusions and Scientific Diversions Including Trick Photography
Albert A. Hopkins
Cogitations concerning the Hindustani Interpreter: colloid and crystalloid: the Armenians comments.
At the Court of the Amr
John Alfred Gray
In about 24 hours three-quarters of the crystalloid substances present will have passed into the lower vessel.
Legal Chemistry
A. Naquet

British Dictionary definitions for crystalloid

crystalloid

adjective

resembling or having the appearance or properties of a crystal or crystalloid

noun

a substance that in solution can pass through a semipermeable membraneCompare colloid (def. 3)

botany any of numerous crystals of protein occurring in certain seeds and other storage organs

Derived Formscrystalloidal, adjective

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

crystalloid in Medicine

crystalloid

[krĭs′tə-loid′]

n.

A substance that in solution can pass through a semipermeable membrane and be crystallized, as distinguished from a colloid.

adj.

Resembling or having properties of a crystal or crystalloid.