colloid

col·loid  (kloid)

n.

1. Chemistry

a. A system in which finely divided particles, which are approximately 10 to 10,000 angstroms in size, are dispersed within a continuous medium in a manner that prevents them from being filtered easily or settled rapidly.

b. The particulate matter so dispersed.

2. Physiology The gelatinous product of the thyroid gland, consisting mainly of thyroglobulin, which serves as the precursor and storage form of thyroid hormone.

3. Pathology Gelatinous material resulting from colloid degeneration in diseased tissue.

adj.

Of, relating to, containing, or having the nature of a colloid.

---

col·loidal (k-loidl, k-) adj.

col·loidal·ly adv.

---

colloid [ˈkɒlɔɪd]

n

1. (Chemistry) Also called colloidal solution, suspension a mixture having particles of one component, with diameters between 10^-7 and 10^-9 metres, suspended in a continuous phase of another component. The mixture has properties between those of a solution and a fine suspension

2. (Chemistry) the solid suspended phase in such a mixture

3. (Chemistry) Obsolete a substance that in solution does not penetrate a semipermeable membrane Compare crystalloid [2]

4. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Physiology) Physiol a gelatinous substance of the thyroid follicles that holds the hormonal secretions of the thyroid gland

adj

1. (Medicine / Pathology) Pathol of or relating to the gluelike translucent material found in certain degenerating tissues

2. (Chemistry) of, denoting, or having the character of a colloid

[from Greek kolla glue + -oid]

---

colloid  (kloid)

A mixture in which very small particles of one substance are distributed evenly throughout another substance. The particles are generally larger than those in a solution, and smaller than those in a suspension. Paints, milk, and fog are colloids. Compare solutionsuspension

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

colloid - a mixture with properties between those of a solution and fine suspension silver protein - a colloid preparation of protein (albumin or gelatin) and silver oxide; used in aqueous solution as an antibacterial agent mixture - (chemistry) a substance consisting of two or more substances mixed together (not in fixed proportions and not with chemical bonding) dispersed particles, dispersed phase - (of colloids) a substance in the colloidal state dispersing medium, dispersing phase, dispersion medium - (of colloids) a substance in which another is colloidally dispersed colloidal gel, gel - a colloid in a more solid form than a sol colloidal solution, colloidal suspension, sol - a colloid that has a continuous liquid phase in which a solid is suspended in a liquid emulsion - (chemistry) a colloid in which both phases are liquids; "an oil-in-water emulsion" silica gel - a porous form of silica that is highly absorbent