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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.


Etymology

Origin of raphides

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

These experiments show conclusively that the acridity of the Indian turnip and calla is due to the raphides of calcium oxalate only.

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

In this report he expressed the opinion that the acridity of the Indian turnip was due to the presence of these crystals or raphides.

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

Examining the residue with a microscope it was found to consist of innumerable raphides or needle-like crystals.

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

Among the cell-contents of some plants are beautiful crystals, called raphides.

From The Book of Household Management by Beeton, Mrs. (Isabella Mary)

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

From Trees Worth Knowing by Rogers, Julia Ellen

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