raphides

American  

[raf-i-deez] / ˈræf ɪˌdiz /

plural noun

Botany.

singular

raphide, raphis

1. acicular crystals, usually composed of calcium oxalate, that occur in bundles in the cells of many plants.

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Etymology

Origin of raphides

1835–45; < New Latin < Greek rhaphídes, plural of rhaphís needle

Example Sentences

Examining the residue with a microscope it was found to consist of innumerable raphides or needle-like crystals.

From Popular Science Monthly Oct, Nov, Dec, 1915 — Volume 86 by Anonymous

In this report he expressed the opinion that the acridity of the Indian turnip was due to the presence of these crystals or raphides.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 829, November 21, 1891 by Various

This opinion was opposed by Prof. Burrill and other eminent botanists, who claimed that other plants, as the fuchsia, are not at all acrid, although they contain raphides as plentifully as the Indian turnip.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 829, November 21, 1891 by Various

A chemical examination proved beyond question that the raphides were of the same composition.

From Popular Science Monthly Oct, Nov, Dec, 1915 — Volume 86 by Anonymous

Accordingly, four plants containing raphides were selected, two of which, the Calla cassia and Indian turnip, were highly acrid, and two, the Fuchsia and Tradescantia, or Wandering Jew, were perfectly bland to the taste.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 829, November 21, 1891 by Various