crystallite

noun crys·tal·lite \ ˈkri-stə-ˌlīt \

|Updated on: 12 May 2018

Definition of crystallite

1 a : a minute mineral form (as in glassy volcanic rocks) that marks the beginning of crystallization

b : a single grain in a polycrystalline substance

2 : micelle

Recent Examples of crystallite from the Web

At this level of magnification, the researchers were able to discern novel details about the building blocks of our bodily framework: our bones, which comprise mineral crystallites and spiraling strands of the protein collagen called fibrils.

— angus chen, Scientific American, "Core Strength: Extreme “Close Ups” May Help Explain Why Our Bones Are So Strong," 3 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'crystallite.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.