micelle

mi·celle  (m-sl)

n.

1. A submicroscopic aggregation of molecules, as a droplet in a colloidal system.

2. An organic particle of colloidal size found in coal.

3. A coherent strand or structure in natural or synthetic fibers.

4. A submicroscopic structural unit of protoplasm, composed of a cluster of molecules.

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[New Latin mcella, from Latin mca, grain.]

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mi·cellar (-slr) adj.

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micelle, micell [mɪˈsɛl], micella [mɪˈsɛlə]

n

(Chemistry) Chem

a.  a charged aggregate of molecules of colloidal size in a solution

b.  any molecular aggregate of colloidal size, such as a particle found in coal

[from New Latin micella, diminutive of Latin mīca crumb]

micellar  adj

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

micelle - an electrically charged particle built up from polymeric molecules or ions and occurring in certain colloidal electrolytic solutions like soaps and detergents subatomic particle, particle - a body having finite mass and internal structure but negligible dimensions