crystal

¹crys·tal

noun \ˈkris-t^əl\

Definition of CRYSTAL

1

: quartz that is transparent or nearly so and that is either colorless or only slightly tinged

2

: something resembling crystal in transparency and colorlessness

3

: a body that is formed by the solidification of a chemical element, a compound, or a mixture and has a regularly repeating internal arrangement of its atoms and often external plane faces

4

: a clear colorless glass of superior quality; also : objects or ware of such glass

5

: the glass or transparent plastic cover over a watch or clock dialect

6

: a crystalline material used in electronics as a frequency-determining element or for rectification

7

: ice 7; broadly : methamphetamine in any form when used illicitly

Examples of CRYSTAL

1. the crystal structure of minerals
2. a necklace made of crystal
3. Some of the crystals used in the necklace are a pale pink color.
4. The wine glasses are made of the finest crystal.
5. She inherited her mother's crystal.

Origin of CRYSTAL

Middle English cristal, from Anglo-French, from Latin crystallum, from Greek krystallos — more at crust

First Known Use: 13th century

Other Chemical Engineering Terms

alkali, cation, decant, hygroscopic, isotope, oxidize, slurry, solute, viscous

Rhymes with CRYSTAL

Bristol, Crystal, distal, listel, pistil, pistol

²crystal

adjective

Definition of CRYSTAL

1

: consisting of or resembling crystal : clear, lucid

2

: relating to or using a crystal <a crystal radio receiver>

Examples of CRYSTAL

1. <an unspoiled region with majestic mountains and crystal streams>

First Known Use of CRYSTAL

14th century

Related to CRYSTAL

Synonyms

clear, crystal clear, crystalline, limpid, liquid, lucent, pellucid, see-through, transparent

Antonyms

cloudy, opaque

Related Words

colorless, uncolored; diaphanous, lucid, semitranslucent, semitransparent, sheer, translucent, transparentized; glassy, vitreous

Near Antonyms

colored, dark, glazed, tinted; filmy, foggy, hazy, misty, nebulous, smoky (also smokey); dense, muddy, murky, turbid

Crys·tal

geographical name \ˈkris-t^əl\

Definition of CRYSTAL

city SE Minnesota N of Minneapolis pop 22,698

Rhymes with CRYSTAL

Bristol, crystal, distal, listel, pistil, pistol

crys·tal

noun \ˈkris-t^əl\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of CRYSTAL

1

: a body that is formed by the solidification of a chemical element, a compound, or a mixture and has a regularly repeating internal arrangement of its atoms and often external plane faces

2

: ice 2; broadly : methamphetamine in any form when used illicitly

—crystal adjective

crystal

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Any solid material whose atoms are arranged in a definite pattern and whose surface regularity reflects its internal symmetry. Each of a crystal's millions of individual structural units (unit cells) contains all the substance's atoms, molecules, or ions in the same proportions as in its chemical formula (see formula weight). The cells are repeated in all directions to form a geometric pattern, manifested by the number and orientation of external planes (crystal faces). Crystals are classified into seven crystallographic systems based on their symmetry: isometric, trigonal, hexagonal, tetragonal, orthorhombic, monoclinic, and triclinic. Crystals are generally formed when a liquid solidifies, a vapour becomes supersaturated (see saturation), or a liquid solution can no longer retain dissolved material, which is then precipitated. Metals, alloys, minerals, and semiconductors are all crystalline, at least microscopically. (A noncrystalline solid is called amorphous.) Under special conditions, a single crystal can grow to a substantial size; examples include gemstones and some artificial crystals. Few crystals are perfect; defects affect the material's electrical behaviour and may weaken or strengthen it. See also liquid crystal.