noun
sol
A mixture of fine solid particles dispersed in a liquid.
The sol contains tiny solid particles dispersed throughout the liquid.
Etymology
Sol is a shortened technical form associated with solution. It names a colloidal dispersion rather than a substance dissolved at the molecular level.
More examples
- The chemist prepares a sol of gold particles in water.
- Under the right conditions, this sol turns into a gel.
- These sols differ in particle size and concentration.
Forms
sol · sols
Similar words
- colloid
- Broader category that also includes emulsions, foams, and gels.
- suspension
- Broader term; particles may be larger and settle out.