colloid

The definition of a colloid is a combination of molecules mixed through other substances that will not settle out or join with the other substance.

(noun)

Mayonnaise and blood are both examples of colloids.

See colloid in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

1. a solid, liquid, or gaseous substance made up of very small, insoluble particles (as single large molecules or masses of smaller molecules) that remain in suspension in a surrounding solid, liquid, or gaseous medium of different matter
2. a state of matter consisting of such a substance dispersed in a surrounding medium: all living matter contains colloidal material, and a colloid has only a negligible effect on the freezing point, boiling point, or vapor pressure of the surrounding medium
the iodine-containing, gelatinous protein stored in the thyroid

Origin: < Gr kolla, glue + -oid; coined by T. Graham (1805-69), Scot chemist

See colloid in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

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.
Physiology The gelatinous product of the thyroid gland, consisting mainly of thyroglobulin, which serves as the precursor and storage form of thyroid hormone.
Pathology Gelatinous material resulting from colloid degeneration in diseased tissue.

adjective

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

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