Category:Colloid

Col"loid, a. Etym: [Gr. -oid. Cf. Collodion.]

Defn: Resembling glue or jelly; characterized by a jellylike appearance; gelatinous; as, colloid tumors.

colloid Col"loid, n.

1. (Physiol. Chem.)

Defn: A substance (as albumin, gum, gelatin, etc.) which is of a gelatinous rather than a crystalline nature, and which diffuses itself through animal membranes or vegetable parchment more slowly than crystalloids do; -- opposed to crystalloid.

2. (Med.)

Defn: A gelatinous substance found in colloid degeneration and colloid cancer. Styptic colloid (Med.), a preparation of astringent and antiseptic substances with some colloid material, as collodion, for ready use.