1. substances that can form crystals and pass through semipermeable membranes
Usage: chemistry; biology
2. intravenous fluids containing small dissolved particles that can cross cell membranes
Usage: medical

Examples

• Salt and sugar are common crystalloids that dissolve easily in water.
• The doctor administered crystalloids to treat the patient’s dehydration.
• Crystalloids pass through dialysis membranes more readily than colloids.
• Normal saline is one of the most frequently used crystalloids in hospitals.
• The laboratory separated crystalloids from colloids using a semipermeable membrane.
• Crystalloids help maintain proper fluid balance in the body.
• The nurse prepared crystalloid solutions for the emergency room patients.