colloid
noun
[ ˈkɒlɔɪd ]
• a homogeneous non-crystalline substance consisting of large molecules or ultramicroscopic particles of one substance dispersed through a second substance. Colloids include gels, sols, and emulsions; the particles do not settle, and cannot be separated out by ordinary filtering or centrifuging like those in a suspension.
colloid
adjective
• relating to or characterized by a colloid or colloids.
Origin:
mid 19th century: from Greek kolla ‘glue’ + -oid.
