crystalloid: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “crystalloid” mean?
1. A substance that, in solution, can pass through a semipermeable membrane (like cellophane) because it forms small particles, unlike a colloid which forms larger particles that cannot.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
1. A substance that, in solution, can pass through a semipermeable membrane (like cellophane) because it forms small particles, unlike a colloid which forms larger particles that cannot. 2. Resembling or having the nature of a crystal; crystalline.
In historical chemistry/biology: a substance that dissolves to form a true solution, as opposed to a colloid. In botany/anatomy: a protein crystal found in plant or animal cells.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or pronunciation differences. Usage is identical across varieties, confined to technical/scientific registers.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language, identical specialized frequency in relevant fields (medicine, chemistry).
Grammar
How to Use “crystalloid” in a Sentence
[crystalloid] + [noun] (solution, fluid)[adjective] + [crystalloid] (balanced, hypertonic)[verb] + [crystalloid] (administer, infuse, use)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crystalloid” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- This substance does not crystalloid under normal conditions.
- The mixture began to crystalloid as it cooled.
American English
- The compound failed to crystalloid in the experiment.
- We need to see if the solute will crystalloid.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in chemistry, biology, and medical science papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Extremely rare; unknown to most non-specialists.
Technical
Core term in medicine for IV fluid types and in physical chemistry for classification of solutions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “crystalloid”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “crystalloid”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crystalloid”
- Confusing 'crystalloid' with 'colloid'. Using it as a general synonym for 'crystal'. Misspelling as 'crystaloid'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialized scientific and medical term. You will almost never encounter it outside of textbooks, research papers, or hospital settings.
Yes, a simple saline solution (salt dissolved in water) used in hospitals is a classic crystalloid.
In the context of solution chemistry, the direct opposite is a 'colloid'. Colloids contain larger particles that do not settle out but cannot pass through semipermeable membranes (e.g., gelatin, blood plasma).
It is primarily used as a noun (e.g., 'administer a crystalloid') but can also function as an adjective (e.g., 'crystalloid solution'). Its use as a verb is archaic/obsolete.
1. A substance that, in solution, can pass through a semipermeable membrane (like cellophane) because it forms small particles, unlike a colloid which forms larger particles that cannot.
Crystalloid is usually technical/scientific in register.
Crystalloid: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkrɪst(ə)lɔɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkrɪstəˌlɔɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CRYSTAL-like-oid'. If it can form crystals and passes through filters easily (like salts in water), it's a crystalloid. A colloid (like jelly) cannot.
Conceptual Metaphor
PATH/SUBSTANCE: A crystalloid is a substance that takes a 'straight path' through a membrane, unlike a colloid which is 'blocked'.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes a crystalloid from a colloid?