crystalloid

crystalloid

 [kris´tah-loid]

1. resembling a crystal.

2. a substance whose particles are smaller than those of a colloid, form a true solution, and are therefore capable of passing through a semipermeable membrane, as in dialysis. The physical opposite of a crystalloid is a colloid, which does not dissolve and does not form true solutions.

crys·tal·loid

(kris'tăl-oyd),

1. Resembling a crystal, or being such.

2. A body that in solution can pass through a semipermeable membrane, as distinguished from a colloid, which cannot do so.

3. A hydration solution that contains only electrolytes.

crystalloid

[kris′təloid]

Etymology: Gk, krystallos + eidos, form

a substance in a solution that can diffuse through a semipermeable membrane. Compare colloid.

crys·tal·loid

(kris'tăl-oyd)

1. Resembling a crystal, or being such.

2. A body that in solution can pass through a semipermeable membrane, as distinguished from a colloid, which cannot do so.

crystalloid

1. resembling a crystal.

2. a noncolloid substance. Crystalloids form true solutions and therefore are capable of passing through a semipermeable membrane, as in dialysis. The physical opposite of a crystalloid is a colloid (3), which does not dissolve and does not form true solutions.

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crystalloid particle

a matrix particle in a single membrane contained in a peroxisome, when viewed through an electron microscope. Called also nucleoid.

crystalloid solution

contains electrolytes and nonelectrolytes which will diffuse into all body fluid compartments. Examples are Ringer's solution and 5% dextrose in water.