solidus

¹

[ sol-i-duhs ]

noun

, plural sol·i·di [sol, -i-dahy].

1. a gold coin of ancient Rome, introduced by Constantine and continued in the Byzantine Empire; bezant.
2. (in medieval Europe) a money of account equal to 12 denarii. Compare sol ².
3. virgule.

solidus

²

[ sol-i-duhs ]

noun

, Physical Chemistry.

1. (on a graph of temperature versus composition) the curve connecting the temperatures at which a solid solution is in equilibrium with its vapor and with the liquid solution, and therefore connecting melting temperatures of solid solutions.

solidus

/ ˈsɒlɪdəs /

noun

1. a technical name for slash
2. a gold coin of the Byzantine empire

solidus

/ sŏl′ĭ-dəs /

, Plural solidi sŏl′ĭ-dī′

1. The maximum temperature at which all components of a mixture (such as an alloy) can be in a solid state. Above the solidus some or all of the mixture will be in a liquid state.
2. See illustration at eutecticCompare liquidus

Word History and Origins

Origin of solidus¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Late Latin solidus ( nummus ) a solid (coin), a gold (coin)

Origin of solidus²

1900–05; < Latin: solid

Word History and Origins

Origin of solidus¹

C14: from Late Latin solidus ( nummus ) a gold coin (from solidus solid); in Medieval Latin, solidus referred to a shilling and was indicated by a long s, which ultimately became the virgule

Example Sentences

Here is a little graphical palate cleanser: we visualized the life cycle of the parasite Schistocephalus solidus, which requires ingestion by a copepod, a fish and a bird—in that order—to survive and reproduce.

From Scientific American

The parasitic cestode Schistocephalus solidus requires a much larger host—specifically, a three-spined stickleback fish—to grow in and then a bird to breed in.

From Scientific American

In an echo of the ancient Roman system of libra, solidus and denarius, a pound was divided into 12 shillings and 240 silver pennies.

From BBC

And if he shall have taken nothing, or have escaped by flight, he shall, for the housebreaking alone, be sentenced to 1,200 denarii, which make 30 solidi.

From Project Gutenberg

Another creature that is likely to flourish in warmer waters is the Schistocephalus solidus tapeworm.

From Scientific American