collodion
nounUK /kəˈləʊdiən/ · US /kəˈloʊdiən/
Etymology From Medieval Latin collodium, from Ancient Greek κολλώδης (kollṓdēs, “sticky”).
1
A syrupy solution of nitrocellulose (pyroxylin) in alcohol and ether that evaporates on a surface to form a clear elastic film; used in surgical dressings, photographic plates and lacquer paints.
- The mysterious odour of collodion permeates these memories.1993, Rikki Ducornet, The Jade Cabinet, Dalkey Archive Press, page 14:
- For all this, the worn collodion image gracing his memoirs shows a man of estimable appearance in a sober woolen suit and brocade waistcoat.2008, Harriet A. Washington, “Profitable Wonders”, in Medical Apartheid, Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, page 52:
- Derived terms
- collodion baby, collodionization, collodionize, collodion membrane, collodiotype, pyrocollodion
- Related terms
- viscose