1 raphide | Definition of raphide
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raphide

noun
raph·​ide | \ ˈra-ËŒfÄ«d How to pronounce raphide (audio) \
plural raphides\ ˈra-​ËŒfÄ«dz How to pronounce raphides (audio) , ˈra-​fÉ™-​ËŒdÄ“z \

Definition of raphide

: any of the needle-shaped crystals usually of calcium oxalate that develop as metabolic by-products in plant cells

Examples of raphide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 These contain crystals of calcium carbonate called raphides, which take the form of microscopic needles. — Kenneth Setzer, miamiherald, "Some of South Florida's most popular plants may be toxic to pets," 14 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'raphide.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of raphide

circa 1842, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for raphide

French & New Latin; French raphide, from New Latin raphides, plural, from Greek rhaphides, plural of rhaphid-, rhaphis needle, from rhaptein

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