crystalloid (redirected from crystalloids)

crys·tal·loid (krst-loid)

n.

A substance that in solution can pass through a semipermeable membrane and be crystallized, as distinguished from a colloid.

adj.

Resembling or having properties of a crystal or crystalloid.

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crystalloid

[kris′təloid]

Etymology: Gk, krystallos + eidos, form

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

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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.