Word Study
Colloid
CIDE DICTIONARY
Colloid, a. [Gr. ko`lla glue + -oid. Cf. Collodion.].
Resembling glue or jelly; characterized by a jellylike appearance; gelatinous; as, colloid tumors. [1913 Webster]
Colloid, n.
- A substance (as albumin, gum, gelatin, etc.) which is of a gelatinous rather than a crystalline nature, and which diffuses itself through animal membranes or vegetable parchment more slowly than crystalloids do; -- opposed to crystalloid. [1913 Webster]
- A gelatinous substance found in colloid degeneration and colloid cancer. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
Colloid, n.
1 Chem. a a substance consisting of ultramicroscopic particles. b a mixture of such a substance uniformly dispersed through a second substance esp. to form a viscous solution.
2 Med. a substance of a homogeneous gelatinous consistency.
1 Chem. a a substance consisting of ultramicroscopic particles. b a mixture of such a substance uniformly dispersed through a second substance esp. to form a viscous solution.
2 Med. a substance of a homogeneous gelatinous consistency.
Derivative
colloidal adj.
Etymology
Gk kolla glue + -OID
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