raphides

American  

[raf-i-deez] / ˈræf ɪˌdiz /

plural noun

Botany.

singular

raphide, raphis

1. acicular crystals, usually composed of calcium oxalate, that occur in bundles in the cells of many plants.

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Etymology

Origin of raphides

1835–45; < New Latin < Greek rhaphídes, plural of rhaphís needle

Example Sentences

It was first thought that the raphides found in plants having no acridity, might be of different chemical composition than those which produce this effect.

From Popular Science Monthly Oct, Nov, Dec, 1915 — Volume 86 by Anonymous

It has an opening at each end through which raphides, generated inside, are discharged.

From Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (2nd 100 Pages) by Webster, Noah

Accordingly, four plants containing raphides were selected, two of which, the Calla cassia and Indian turnip, were highly acrid, and two, the Fuchsia and Tradescantia, or Wandering Jew, were perfectly bland to the taste.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 829, November 21, 1891 by Various

This opinion was opposed by Prof. Burrill and other eminent botanists, who claimed that other plants, as the fuchsia, are not at all acrid, although they contain raphides as plentifully as the Indian turnip.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 829, November 21, 1891 by Various

The expressed juice was limpid and filled with raphides.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 829, November 21, 1891 by Various