colloid in English
- colloid⇄adj. colloidal.
- colloid⇄colloid, noun, verb, adjective.
- colloid⇄noun 1. a substance composed of particles that are extremely small but larger than most molecules (usually ranging from about 0.01 to about 0.001 micron in diameter). The particles in a colloid do not actually dissolve, but remain suspended in a suitable
- colloid⇄v.t. to change (guncotton) into a gelatinous or colloidal substance by treating it with nitroglycerin or other solvents to control the rate of burning.
colloid in Gujarati ગુજરાતી
Colloid
Part of Speech
Noun
Pronunciation
/ˈkɒlɔɪd/
Definitions
- A substance consisting of small particles that are dispersed throughout another substance, but are not dissolved in it.
- A mixture in which one substance (dispersed phase) is evenly distributed throughout another substance (continuous phase), but the particles do not settle out.
Usage Examples
- Milk is a common example of a colloid, with fat droplets dispersed in water.
- Colloids like gelatin or paint do not settle out of solution easily.
Etymology
The term "colloid" comes from the Greek word "kolla," meaning "glue," combined with the suffix "-oid," which indicates a resemblance. It was first used in the early 19th century to describe substances that behave like glue or gelatin when dispersed in a medium.
Synonyms
- Suspension
- Emulsion
- Gel
- Solution
Antonyms
- Solid
- Crystalline
- Pure substance
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Coloide | /koˈloi̯ðe/ |
| French | Colloïde | /kɔ.lɔ.id/ |
| German | Kolloid | /kɔˈlɔɪt/ |
| Hindi | कोलॉइड (Koloyid) | /koˈlɔɪɪd/ |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 胶体 (Jiāo tǐ) | /dʒjɑʊ̯ tʰi˨˩/ |
| Russian | Коллоид (Kolloid) | /kɔlˈlojɪd/ |
| Arabic | غروانية (Ghurawāniyah) | /ɡʊrʊˈwɑːnɪˌjɑ/ |
| Portuguese | Colóide | /koˈlɔjʒi/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
In American English: /ˈkɒlɔɪd/
In British English: /ˈkɒlɔɪd/
Historical Usage
The concept of colloids emerged in the early 19th century as scientists observed certain substances that did not behave like typical solutions. Colloids were initially compared to gels and were thought to have properties similar to glues, hence the name derived from the Greek word "kolla" meaning glue. Over time, colloids became a central topic in chemistry, particularly in the study of mixtures and suspensions.
Cultural Nuances
Colloids play a crucial role in various industries and cultural practices. In food and beverage, colloids like milk, cream, and gelatine are integral to cooking and preparation methods. In the cosmetics industry, colloidal solutions are used for creams and lotions. They are also significant in pharmaceutical formulations for delivering drugs.
More Information
Colloids are commonly found in everyday life, from food products to cosmetics, and even in biological systems such as blood. Their unique properties, like the ability to scatter light and remain suspended in a medium, make them fascinating for study. Modern applications of colloids extend to fields like nanotechnology and material science, where their behavior under various conditions is leveraged for innovative products.