colloid: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “colloid” mean?
A substance microscopically dispersed evenly throughout another substance, where the particles are intermediate in size between those in a solution and a coarse suspension, typically not settling out.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A substance microscopically dispersed evenly throughout another substance, where the particles are intermediate in size between those in a solution and a coarse suspension, typically not settling out.
In a broader sense, can refer to any system with particles of colloidal size. Also used in medicine to describe gelatinous substances used for certain injections or as blood volume expanders.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare in general discourse in both regions, confined to scientific/technical/medical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “colloid” in a Sentence
[substance] is a colloida colloid of [substance A] in [substance B]to form/disperse/stabilise a colloidVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “colloid” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The mixture began to colloid as it cooled.
American English
- The process is designed to colloid the nanoparticles in the solvent.
adjective
British English
- The colloid properties of the gel were analysed.
American English
- We observed distinct colloid behaviour in the sample.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Common in chemistry, physics, materials science, and chemical engineering papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be encountered in advanced cooking (e.g., discussing gels, emulsions) or cosmetic descriptions.
Technical
The primary register. Used precisely in research, lab reports, product formulations, and medical contexts (e.g., colloid fluids for IV therapy).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “colloid”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “colloid”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “colloid”
- Mispronouncing as /kəˈlɔɪd/ (stress on second syllable).
- Confusing with 'colloidal silver' (a specific, often controversial product).
- Using interchangeably with 'solution' or 'suspension' without regard for particle size.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In a solution, particles are dissolved at the molecular/ionic level and pass through filters and membranes. In a colloid, particles are larger (1-1000 nm), do not dissolve, and scatter light (Tyndall effect), but are small enough to not settle quickly.
Yes, mayonnaise is an emulsion, a type of colloid where liquid droplets (oil) are dispersed in another liquid (water/vinegar/egg).
It refers to intravenous fluid solutions containing large molecules (like starches or gelatins) that stay in the bloodstream longer to increase blood volume, as opposed to 'crystalloid' solutions like saline.
Yes, but not by ordinary filtration. Techniques like centrifugation, ultrafiltration, or coagulation/flocculation (causing particles to clump and settle) are used.
A substance microscopically dispersed evenly throughout another substance, where the particles are intermediate in size between those in a solution and a coarse suspension, typically not settling out.
Colloid is usually technical/scientific in register.
Colloid: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒlɔɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːlɔɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of COLLOID like 'glue-like' (from Greek 'kolla' for glue). It's a substance where particles are stuck in a state between dissolving and settling, like gelatin or milk.
Conceptual Metaphor
A STATE OF SUSPENDED TRANSITION (neither fully dissolved nor fully separate).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT typically a characteristic of a colloid?