An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A chemical substance in which a molecule of one compound fills a cavity within the crystal lattice of another compound. An example is clathrate hydrate, a special type of gas hydrate in which small molecules (typically gases) are trapped inside “cages” of hydrogen bonded water molecules. Large amounts of methane have been discovered both in permafrost formations and under the ocean floor. Similarly oceans contain large quantities of trapped CO₂, which dissociate when the temperature rises sufficiently.

See also: From L. clathratus, p.p. of clathrarer “to fit with bars,” from clathra “bars, lattice,” from Gk. kleithron " bar," from kleiein “to close.”