clathrate

adjective

clath·​rate ˈkla-ˌthrāt 

: relating to or being a compound formed by the inclusion of molecules of one kind in cavities of the crystal lattice of another

clathrate noun

Word History

Etymology

Latin clathratus, furnished with a lattice, from clathri (plural) lattice, from Greek klēithron bar, from kleiein to close — more at clavicle

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

clathrate

1 of 2 adjective

clath·​rate ˈklath-ˌrāt 

: relating to or being a compound formed by the inclusion of molecules of one kind in cavities of the crystal lattice of another

clathrate

2 of 2 noun

: a clathrate compound