crystal

1 of 2

noun

crys·​tal ˈkri-stᵊl How to pronounce crystal (audio)
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 dial
6
: a crystalline material used in electronics as a frequency-determining element or for rectification
7
: crystal meth
broadly : methamphetamine in any form when used illicitly

crystal

2 of 2

adjective

1
: consisting of or resembling crystal : clear, lucid
2
: relating to or using a crystal
a crystal radio receiver

Examples of crystal in a Sentence

Noun the crystal structure of minerals a necklace made of crystal Some of the crystals used in the necklace are a pale pink color. The wine glasses are made of the finest crystal. She inherited her mother's crystal. Adjective an unspoiled region with majestic mountains and crystal streams
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Among the outfits is a sheer cutout catsuit studded with crystals. Hedy Phillips, Peoplemag, 19 Mar. 2024 With cabins for 12 guests, one of its highlights is a huge primary suite, which boasts more crystal chandeliers and a private library. Howard Walker, Robb Report, 18 Mar. 2024 Think: Golden Hour’s older, wiser sister, who may or may not be into crystals and breathwork and keeping a gratitude journal. Liam Hess, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2024 The gilded lobby, accented by marble and crystal chandeliers, is like stepping back in time. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2024 Her look was playful with layered tulle fabric showing off her decolletage and crystals at her waist. Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 15 Mar. 2024 The turbulent winds inside a cloud cause the droplets and crystals to bounce into each other and create a positive charge. USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2024 One strategy, called optical parametric oscillation, involves bouncing beams of laser light within a crystal, resulting in light organizing itself into pulses of coherent, stable waves. IEEE Spectrum, 12 Mar. 2024 At saturation, some diapers began losing their integrity and released crystals or gel beading in our lab test, but this diaper stayed fully intact, even with almost a cup of liquid in it. Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 10 Mar. 2024
Adjective
While the long, warm days are perfect to spend by the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, travelers who want a little more substance to their vacation can head inland to experience the island's charming towns, rustic cuisine, and ancient ruins. Jamie Spain, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Mar. 2024 Outside, a crystal blue ocean stretches for miles behind her. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 15 Feb. 2024 Among pieces designated for a grand reveal is a jeweled top dripping in crystal fringe. Leah Faye Cooper, Vogue, 11 Feb. 2024 Malta has become increasingly popular over the years, with its crystal blue waters and numerous historic sites. Jordi Lippe, Travel + Leisure, 16 Feb. 2024 The crosses are strung together end to end, then finished with crystal charms at the end and met with a brass chain. Amanda Ogle, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2024 Although a bottle of wine boxed with a crystal spoon can seem like a bit of a gimmick, the viscosity makes sipping from a spoon rather than a glass a much more efficient means of imbibing with minimal loss. Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2024 The views of the crystal blue water and lush green palm trees are second to none and an incredible sight to see from the patio doors located in both the lounge area and bedroom. Brande Victorian, Essence, 20 Dec. 2023 Offering views of a crystal blue coastline, greenery as far as the eyes can see, and overlooking the hustle and bustle of tourists and locals going about their daily business at the port, the property gives much more than what meets the eye of a passer-by. Tenille Clarke, Essence, 21 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'crystal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English cristal "transparent quartz, object made from it," borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin crystallum, crystallus, crustallum "clear ice, rock crystal," borrowed from Greek krýstallos, probably borrowed from a pre-Greek substratum; replacing Old English cristalla, cristal, cristallum, borrowed from Latin crystallum

Note: Greek krýstallos was traditionally linked etymologically with krýos "icy cold, frost" and Latin crusta "hard surface layer," though the morphological details were not explicable (and crusta does not refer to ice or cold). More likely, as asserted by Robert Beekes (Etymological Dictionary of Greek [Leiden: Brill, 2010], p. 787), krýstallos, as evidenced by the suffix -allos (from *aly- according to Beekes) and the variant króstallos, is of pre-Greek origin. Cf. notes at cryo-, crust.

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of crystal was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near crystal

Cite this Entry

“Crystal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crystal. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

crystal

1 of 2 noun
crys·​tal ˈkris-tᵊl How to pronounce crystal (audio)
1
: a quartz that is transparent or nearly so
2
: something transparent like crystal
3
: a solid form of a substance or mixture that has a regularly repeating internal arrangement of its atoms and often external plane faces
a crystal of quartz
a snow crystal
a salt crystal
4
: a clear colorless glass of very good quality
also : things made of this glass
5
: the transparent cover over a watch or clock dial

crystal

2 of 2 adjective
1
: made of or resembling crystal
2
: using a crystal as a detector
a crystal radio receiver

Medical Definition

crystal

noun
crys·​tal ˈkris-tᵊl How to pronounce crystal (audio)
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
: crystal meth
broadly : methamphetamine in any form when used illicitly
crystal adjective

Geographical Definition

Crystal

geographical name

Crys·​tal ˈkri-stᵊl How to pronounce Crystal (audio)
city in southeastern Minnesota north of Minneapolis population 22,151

More from Merriam-Webster on crystal

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