crystal
[ kris-tl ]
/ ˈkrɪs tl /
noun
adjective
verb (used with object), crys·taled, crys·tal·ing or (especially British) crys·talled, crys·tal·ling.
to make into crystal; crystallize.
to cover or coat with, or as if with, crystal (usually followed by over).
Origin of crystal
before 1000; Middle English
cristal(le), Old English
cristalla < Medieval Latin
cristallum, Latin
crystallum < Greek
krýstallos clear ice, rock crystal, derivative of
krystaínein to freeze; see
cryo-
OTHER WORDS FROM crystal
crys·tal·like, adjective un·crys·taled, adjective un·crys·talled, adjectiveWords nearby crystal
Definition for crystal (2 of 2)
Crystal
[ kris-tl ]
/ ˈkrɪs tl /
noun
a city in SE Minnesota, near Minneapolis.
a female given name.
Example sentences from the Web for crystal
British Dictionary definitions for crystal
crystal
/ (ˈkrɪstəl) /
noun
adjective
resembling crystal; transparent
crystal water
Word Origin for crystal
Old English
cristalla, from Latin
crystallum, from Greek
krustallos ice, crystal, from
krustainein to freeze
Medical definitions for crystal
crystal
[ krĭs′təl ]
n.
A homogenous solid formed by a repeating, three-dimensional pattern of atoms, ions, or molecules and having fixed distances between constituent parts.
A mineral, especially a transparent form of quartz that has a crystalline structure and is often characterized by external planar faces.
Scientific definitions for crystal
crystal
[ krĭs′təl ]
A homogenous solid formed by a repeating, three-dimensional pattern of atoms, ions, or molecules and having smooth external surfaces with characteristic angles between them. Crystals can occur in many sizes and shapes.♦ The particular arrangement in space of these atoms, molecules, or ions, and the way in which they are joined, is called a crystal lattice. There are seven crystal groups or systems. Each is defined on the basis of the geometrical arrangement of the crystal lattice.
- A natural or synthetic material, such as quartz or ceramic, that consists of such crystals. When subjected to mechanical stresses, crystalline materials can generate an electric charge or, when subjected to an electric field, they can generate mechanical vibrations in what is known as the piezoelectric effect.
- An electrical device, such as an oscillator or a diode used for detecting radio signals, made of such a material.
Other words from crystal
crystalline adjectiveCultural definitions for crystal
crystal
A material in which the atoms are arranged in a rigid geometrical structure (see geometry) marked by symmetry. Crystals often have clearly visible geometrical shapes.
notes for crystal
Most
minerals are crystalline structures.