colloid

(kŏlˈoidˌ)

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.

Related Forms:

• col·loiˈdal (kə-loidˈl, kŏ-) adjective

• col·loiˈdal·ly adverb