raphide

raphide Definition

ra·phide (rā′fid, raf′id)

noun pl. raph′i·des′raf′ə dēz′, rā′fidz

Bot. a needle-shaped crystal, usually of calcium oxalate, developed singly, or more often in bundles, in a plant cell

Etymology: ModL < Gr rhaphis (gen. rhaphidos), needle: for IE base see raphe

raphide Usage Examples

Noun used with modifier

oxalate: The presence of calcium oxalate raphides has been noted in one species.

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