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Glite Dictionary
🕸️ Lattice-like 🧊 Cage-like crystal
clathrate

clathrate

9.9
A compound in which one substance is trapped inside the solid structure of another
  • adjective
  • /ˈklæθreɪt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : clatrato
  • Similar studies with H2O have also led to the discovery of novel dense cage (clathrate) structures.

Examples

  • The unique properties of this clathrate allow it to trap gas molecules effectively.

  • Researchers are studying how clathrate structures can be used to store energy in future technologies.

  • Scientists have identified a new clathrate compound formed within the icy crust of the moon.

Surface Forms

clathrate positive

Morphology

clathrate = clathr + ate

Formed from a non-productive combining form ('clathr-') plus the suffix '-ate'; the root is not a standalone English word and the meaning is technical, so learners cannot reliably infer the sense from familiar English vocabulary.

Etymology

The word clathrate comes from the Greek root klathron, meaning 'lattice' or 'cage'. So a clathrate compound is one where one substance is physically held inside another's crystal 'cage', which explains why these materials can trap gases or small molecules.