Word
colloidal
Phoneticscol·loidal
US/kəˈɫɔɪdəɫ/
UK/kˈɒlɔɪdəl/
Definition
adj. describing a liquid with very tiny bits of something spread evenly through it, so it looks smooth and does not separate quickly.
adj. Relating to a mixture in which microscopic particles are evenly dispersed throughout another substance without dissolving. Often describes stable suspensions such as milk, fog, or gel.
Examples
“Milk looks white because of its colloidal mix of fat and water.”
“The pharmacist shakes the bottle because the colloidal medicine separates if it sits too long.”
“Researchers studied the colloidal gold particles in the solution to improve drug delivery to damaged cells.”
Examples
simple
“Milk looks white because of its colloidal mix of fat and water.”
contextual
“The pharmacist shakes the bottle because the colloidal medicine separates if it sits too long.”
complex
“Researchers studied the colloidal gold particles in the solution to improve drug delivery to damaged cells.”
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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