The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition
n. A highly flammable, colorless or yellowish syrupy solution of pyroxylin, ether, and alcohol, used as an adhesive to close small wounds and hold surgical dressings, in topical medications, and for making photographic plates.
n. a syrupy solution of pyroxylin in alcohol and ether that evaporates on a surface to form a clear elastic film; used in surgical dressings, photographic plates and lacquer paints
the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
n. A solution of pyroxylin (soluble gun cotton) in ether containing a varying proportion of alcohol. It is strongly adhesive, and is used by surgeons as a coating for wounds; but its chief application is as a vehicle for the sensitive film in photography.
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
n. A substance prepared by dissolving pyroxylin or guncotton in ether, or in a mixture of ether and alcohol.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
n. a colorless syrupy solution of pyroxylin in ether and alcohol; used as a coating for wounds or photographic films
Word Usage
"The collodion is dried with a small air compressor."