colloid

colloid definition - medical

col·loid (kŏlˈoidˌ)

noun
  1. A suspension of finely divided particles in a continuous medium from which the particles do not settle out rapidly and are not readily filtered.
  2. The particulate matter so suspended.
  3. The gelatinous stored secretion of the thyroid gland, consisting mainly of thyroglobulin.
  4. Gelatinous material resulting from colloid degeneration in diseased tissue. Also called colloidin.
adjective
Of, relating to, containing, or having the nature of a colloid.

Related Forms:

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

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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