crystalline

adjective

crys·​tal·​line ˈkri-stə-lən 

 also  -ˌlīn,

-ˌlēn

1

: resembling crystal: such as

a

: strikingly clear or sparkling

crystalline air

a crystalline lake

b

: clear-cut

2

: made of crystal : composed of crystals

3

: constituting or relating to a crystal

crystallinity

ˌkri-stə-ˈli-nə-tē 

noun

Synonyms

• clear
• crystal
• crystal clear
• limpid
• liquid
• lucent
• pellucid
• see-through
• transparent

Examples of crystalline in a Sentence

we could see fish swimming beneath the crystalline ice of the frozen lake

Recent Examples on the Web

Trunk Bay's Coral Reef Underwater Park Trail is a 650-foot-long sea trail complete with underwater plaques identifying the endless corals, plants, fish, and turtles that inhabit these crystalline waters for the most informative swim of your life. —Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 27 Nov. 2023

The hard rocks are crystalline igneous and metamorphic masses created deep within root of the ancient Appalachian Mountains by scalding heat and extreme pressure. —Robert Thorson, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Nov. 2023

Rosewood Little Dix Bay There are two crystalline pools, a tennis court, and a water sports center where guests can sail Hobie Cats, kayak, snorkel, and paddleboard in the tranquil bay. —Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 12 Nov. 2023

Its hero ingredient is crystalline zeolite (a naturally absorbent ingredient) that absorbs excess oil while also creating a matte texture and a piece-y effect to the hair. —Rebecca Norris, Peoplemag, 1 Nov. 2023

While its outstanding natural surroundings are a reason to come in themselves – warm, crystalline Red Sea waters waiting to be discovered—Sindalah will be home to world-leading yachting facilities. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 31 Oct. 2023

Less than 48 hours after Kendall Jenner and Bad Bunny hard-launched their relationship with a Gucci campaign, Kim Kardashian uploaded a series of selfies dressed in a scant crystalline bra from the brand’s autumn 2023 collection. —Daniel Rodgers, Glamour, 3 Oct. 2023

The shifting forms, however, were reflected in paintings constructed from crystalline shapes assembled from brightly colored, improvisational marks, almost in the manner of song. —Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2023

The band is as sharp as ever, while three-time IBMA male vocalist winner Moore’s octave-leaping voice remains nimble and crystalline. —Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

Middle English cristallin, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin crystallinus, borrowed from Greek krystállinos, from krýstallos "clear ice, crystal entry 1" + -inos -ine entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing crystalline

• crystalline lens

• crystalline lens

Kids Definition

crystalline

adjective

crys·​tal·​line ˈkris-tə-lən 

1

: clear or sparkling like crystal

crystalline drops of honey

2

: made of crystal or crystals

3

: of or relating to a crystal

Medical Definition

crystalline

adjective

crys·​tal·​line

ˈkris-tə-lən also -ˌlīn, -ˌlēn

1

: composed of or resembling crystals

2

a

: formed by crystallization : having regular arrangement of the atoms in a space lattice see amorphous sense 2

b

: having the internal structure though not necessarily the external form of a crystal

granite is only crystalline, while quartz crystal is perfectly crystallized

crystallinity

ˌkris-tə-ˈlin-ət-ē 

noun

plural crystallinities