CLATHRATE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does clathrate mean? 

• CLATHRATE (adjective)
  The adjective CLATHRATE has 2 senses:

1. having a latticelike structure pierced with holes or windows

2. designating or relating to a compound in which one component is physically enclosed within the crystal structure of another

  Familiarity information: CLATHRATE used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• CLATHRATE (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Having a latticelike structure pierced with holes or windows

Synonyms:

cancellate; cancellated; clathrate

Similar:

reticular; reticulate (resembling or forming a network)

Domain category:

botany; phytology (the branch of biology that studies plants)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Designating or relating to a compound in which one component is physically enclosed within the crystal structure of another

Similar:

enclosed (closed in or surrounded or included within)

Domain category:

chemical science; chemistry (the science of matter; the branch of the natural sciences dealing with the composition of substances and their properties and reactions)

 Context examples 

A clathrate hydrate is a cage of water molecules surrounding a gas molecule.

(Dawn Finds Possible Ancient Ocean Remnants at Ceres, NASA)

The team thinks most of Ceres' ancient ocean is now frozen and bound up in the crust, remaining in the form of ice, clathrate hydrates and salts.

(Dawn Finds Possible Ancient Ocean Remnants at Ceres, NASA)

Ceres' crust is likely a mixture of ice, salts, rock and an additional component believed to be clathrate hydrate.

(Dawn Finds Possible Ancient Ocean Remnants at Ceres, NASA)