plural raphides
ˈra-ˌfīdz 
ˈra-fə-ˌdēz
: any of the needle-shaped crystals usually of calcium oxalate that develop as metabolic by-products in plant cells
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These contain crystals of calcium carbonate called raphides, which take the form of microscopic needles.
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Kenneth Setzer, miamiherald, 14 June 2018
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Kenneth Setzer, miamiherald, 14 June 2018
Cite this Entry
“Raphide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/raphide. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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