- col|loid
- col|loid «KOL oyd», noun, verb, adjective.–n.1. a substance composed of particles that are extremely small but larger than most molecules (usually ranging from about 0.01 to about 0.001 micron in diameter). The particles in a colloid do not actually dissolve, but remain suspended in a suitable gas, liquid, or solid. Many materials associated with ordinary life, such as soap, most plastics, rubber, and glass, are produced from colloids. Colloids also play an important part in organic functions, such as digestion and excretion.2. Medicine. the colorless or yellowish, transparent, jellylike substance formed in some kinds of tissue degeneration.–v.t.to change (guncotton) into a gelatinous or colloidal substance by treating it with nitroglycerin or other solvents to control the rate of burning.–adj.= colloidal. (Cf. ↑colloidal)╂[< Greek kólla glue + English -oid]
Useful english dictionary. 2012.