colligative

[ kol-i-gey-tiv ]

adjective

, Physical Chemistry.

1. (of the properties of a substance) depending on the number of molecules or atoms rather than on their nature.

colligative

/ kəˈlɪɡətɪv /

adjective

1. (of a physical property of a substance) depending on the concentrations of atoms, ions, and molecules that are present rather than on their nature

Word History and Origins

Origin of colligative¹

First recorded in 1900–05; colligate + -ive

Example Sentences

Water containing dissolved solids such as salt and sweeteners are affected by something we refer to as colligative properties.

From Salon

The basic mechanism of cryoprotection in wood frogs is related to the colligative properties of body fluids, particularly a reduction in the absolute freezing point of total body water.

From Scientific American

The first set provides evidence as to the molecular weight of a substance: these are termed “colligative properties.”

From Project Gutenberg

Volume Relations.17—When dealing with colligative properties of liquids it is equally necessary to ensure comparability of conditions.

From Project Gutenberg