A system in which particles of
colloidal size of any nature (e.g. solid, liquid or gas) are dispersed in a continuous phase
of a different composition (or state). The name dispersed phase for the particles
should be used only if they have essentially the properties of a bulk phase of the
same composition.
Source:
PAC, 1972, 31, 577
(Manual of Symbols and Terminology for Physicochemical Quantities and Units, Appendix
II: Definitions, Terminology and Symbols in Colloid and Surface Chemistry)
on page 605