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

An examination showed it to be entirely free from raphides, and it had lost every trace of its acridity.

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

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

From The Fijians A Study of the Decay of Custom by Thomson, Basil

Under the microscope the slide was found to be covered with a mass of raphides.

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

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

The expressed juice was limpid and filled with raphides.

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