raphides

[raf-i-deez]

plural noun

Botany.

singular

raphide, raphis 

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of raphides¹

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

Example Sentences

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

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Raphides, raf′i-dēz, n.pl. crystals found in the interior of the cells of plants:—sing.

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The microscope showed it to be free from oxalate of lime or other raphides.

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Crystals, called raphides, in the wood cells, take the edges off tools used in working locust lumber.

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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.

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