'colloidal' originates from the Greek word 'kolla,' meaning 'glue,' combined with the suffix '-oid,' meaning 'like' or 'resembling.'

'kolla' transformed into the French word 'colloïde,' and eventually became the modern English word 'colloid' through scientific terminology.

Initially, it meant 'glue-like,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'relating to colloids.'