polycrystalline

1 of 2

adjective

poly·​crys·​tal·​line ˌpä-lē-ˈkri-stə-lən 

1

: consisting of crystals variously oriented

2

: composed of more than one crystal

polycrystal

ˈpä-lē-ˌkri-stᵊl 

noun

polycrystal

2 of 2

noun

poly·​crystal ¦pälē 

-lə̇+

: a polycrystalline body or object

Examples of polycrystalline in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

As a result, the company has developed innovative techniques around drill motors, bit designs — the company uses a polycrystalline diamond compact drill bit — and drilling fluids. — Pippa Stevens, CNBC, 5 Sep. 2026

India and some countries in Southeast Asia are increasingly manufacturing their own panels, although China still maintains control of raw materials such as polycrystalline silicon. — Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 18 Aug. 2026

However, most existing versions are polycrystalline, which creates resistance at grain boundaries and limits how efficiently ions can move through the material. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 17 Apr. 2026

In that scheme, nanometers-thick layers of polycrystalline diamond would be integrated within the dielectric layers above the transistors to spread heat. — IEEE Spectrum, 20 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

poly- + crystalline

Noun

poly- + crystal

First Known Use

Adjective

1918, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for polycrystalline

• aminophylline
• azathioprine
• cholestyramine
• cryptocrystalline
• hydroxyproline
• intercrystalline
• microcrystalline
• monocrystalline
• nanocrystalline
• neuroendocrine
• phthalocyanine
• aconitine