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

A chemical examination proved beyond question that the raphides were of the same composition.

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

The fuchsia and tradescantia contained bundles of raphides of the same form and equally as fine as those of the acrid plants.

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

Under the microscope the raphides seemed as plentiful as in the case of the two acrid plants.

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

It was now easy to explain why certain plants whose cells were crowded with raphides were bland to the taste, while other plants with the same crystals were extremely acrid.

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