micelle

[ mi-sel ]

noun

1. Physical Chemistry. an electrically charged particle formed by an aggregate of molecules and occurring in certain colloidal electrolyte solutions, as those of soaps and detergents.

micelle

/ mɪˈsɛl; mɪˈsɛlə /

noun

1. chem
   1. a charged aggregate of molecules of colloidal size in a solution
   2. any molecular aggregate of colloidal size, such as a particle found in coal

Derived Forms

• miˈcellar, adjective

Other Words From

• mi·cellar adjective
• mi·cellar·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of micelle¹

1880–85; < New Latin mīcella, equivalent to Latin mīc ( a ) crumb, grain + -ella -elle

Word History and Origins

Origin of micelle¹

C19: from New Latin micella, diminutive of Latin mīca crumb