crystal

Definition of crystal in English English dictionary: A female given name
Well, he said, name a girl Crystal and what's more likely? That she'll get a Ph.D. in biomechanics, or end up shaking her tail for tips?.; A solid (mineral quartz or otherwise) composed of an array of atoms possessing long-range order and arranged in a pattern which is periodic in three dimensions; A fine type of glassware, or the material used to make it; A piece of glimmering, shining mineral resembling ice or glass; crystal meth: methamphetamine hydrochloride; {n} a transparent stone, regular form of salt or other substance made from a solution by evaporation; {a} transparent, clear, bright; The drug Crystal Meth (methamphetamine hydrochloride); given name, female; A regular three-dimensional form of a mineral with flat surfaces (faces) and specific angles between the faces The crystal form is an outward expression of the molecular structure of the mineral; Glasses and other containers made of crystal are referred to as crystal. Get out your best china and crystal. 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. Crystal Night crystal lattice Crystal Palace liquid crystal liquid crystal display rock crystal; Anything resembling crystal, as clear water, etc; a rock formed by the solidification of a substance; has regularly repeating internal structure; external plane faces; In biology refers to large, regular assembly of macromolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids It is possible to isolate and purify proteins or DNA in large quantity and let them crystallize in saturated solution These protein or DNA crystals contain millions of regularly aligned units that allow the determination of the electron distribution from X-ray diffraction studies Since atoms are distinguished by their specific numbers of electrons, their distribution allows an analysis of the atomic composition of proteins or DNA This electron distribution is then used to calculate the so called high resolution structure of molecules; A crystal is the solid form of a substance in which the atoms or molecules are arranged in a definite, repeating pattern The formation results in one of three ways: a liquid may cool or freeze into a solid; dissolved matter may precipitate out of a solution; or gases may condense into a solid form The external shape of the crystal -- smooth, symmetrically arranged, flat surfaces -- reflects its atomic structure; refers to transparent or translucent opal where the colours are sharp and visible below the surface; As in a 'crystal ball marble ' It is a clear glass marble, void of color Once manufactured with some amounts of lead to increase clarity However, EPA regulations now forbid the manufacture of glass using lead in the United States; the piezoelectric element(s) in a stack which expands and contracts in an alternating (charged) electrical field, thus inducing vibration nbsp; In low-powered ultrasonic cleaning tanks, crystals are sometimes bonded directly to the diaphragm (tank bottom or side wall); In the past, glass of high degree of brilliance achieved by adding lead, or referring to cut glass Today, the term "crystal" can refer to the molten colorless glass which lies in the ceramic pot inside the furnace We also speak of "eco-kristall" A brilliant glass which does not contain lead Crystal, full and lead - Full lead crystal or crystal superieur contains 30% lead Half lead crystal contain 24% lead; colorless glass made of almost pure silica; Consisting of, or like, crystal; clear; transparent; lucid; pellucid; crystalline; a crystal is a solid particle in which the atoms, ions, or molecules are arranged in a regularly repeating, characteristic pattern or network of fixed points in space, with measurable distances between them 1; A regular repeat of molecules, usually with some sort of internal rotational symmetry Protein crystals are usually about 40- 60% solvent by weight and are thus fragile and sensitive to drying out [Robert L Campbell, Protein crystallography: Important points and definitions Dept of Biophysics and Biochemistry, Johns Hopkins Univ , US http: //biophysics med jhu edu/rlc/lect/definitions html; A solid composed of atoms, ions, or molecules arranged in a pattern that is periodic in three dimensions; It is bounded by plane surfaces, symmetrically arranged, and each species of crystal has fixed axial ratios; a solid formed by the solidification of a chemical and having a highly regular atomic structure; Solid with a regular geometric shape, having a characteristic internal structure and enclosed by symmetrically arranged plane surfaces, intersecting at definite and characteristic angles In crystals the particles (atoms, ions, or molecules) have a regular three-dimensional repeating arrangement in space This is called the crystal structure The crystal lattice is the arrangement of points in space at which the particles are positioned; The clean cover over the watch face Three types of crystals are commonly found in watches Acrylic crystal, a plastic, is inexpensive and shallow scratches can be buffed out Mineral crystal is comprised of several elements that are heat treated to create unusual hardness that aids in resisting scratches Sapphire crystal is the most expensive and durable, approximately three times harder than mineral crystals and 20 time harder than acrylic crystals A nonreflective coating on some sport styles prevents glare; A chunk of solid material in which all the atoms are lined up in an orderly pattern like rows of oranges in a grocery store Transistors are made out of semiconductor crystals Growing perfect germanium and silicon crystals with no defects or unwanted impurities is key to building a working transistor; Crystal is a high quality glass, usually with patterns cut into its surface. Some of the finest drinking glasses are made from lead crystal. crystal glasses; a crystalline element used as a component in various electronic devices; "When a mineral, or a chemical substance prepared by man, is bounded by regularly arranged natural plane surfaces, giving the specimen a definite geometrical form or outline, the substance is said to be a crystal " (Gems and Gem Minerals); A crystal is a small piece of a substance that has formed naturally into a regular symmetrical shape. salt crystals. a single crystal of silicon. see also liquid crystal, liquid crystal display; The glass over the dial of a watch case; The part of a radio system that tells the transmitter to emit a particular frequency, and also tells the receiver to look for a particular frequency Crystals normally are packaged in pairs, because the receiver requires a different crystal than the transmitter You must use the same frequency crystals in the transmitter and receiver to make the car respond correctly to your commands; Crystal is a transparent rock that is used to make jewellery and ornaments. a strand of crystal beads; glassware made of quartz; a protective cover that protects the face of a watch glassware made of quartz a crystalline element used as a component in various electronic devices a rock formed by the solidification of a substance; has regularly repeating internal structure; external plane faces a solid formed by the solidification of a chemical and having a highly regular atomic structure; Smoky quartz, Pebble; also Brazilian pebble, under Brazilian; n the regular polyhedral form of a mineral which is the outward expression of a regularly repeating internal arrangement of atoms; a protective cover that protects the face of a watch; a regular repeat of molecules, usually with some sort of internal rotational symmetry Protein crystals are usually about 40-60% solvent by weight and are thus fragile and sensitive to drying out; A regular, periodic arrangement of atoms; The regular form which a substance tends to assume in solidifying, through the inherent power of cohesive attraction; The material of quartz, in crystallization transparent or nearly so, and either colorless or slightly tinged with gray, or the like; called also rock crystal; 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; A three-dimensional solid formed by regular repetition of the packing of atoms, ions, or molecules; See Flint glass; Cf; The transparent cover on a watch face made of glass crystal, synthetic sapphire or plastic Better watches often have a sapphire crystal which is highly resistant to scratching or shattering A-Z Index : D Return to Top depth alarm: An alarm on a divers' watch that sounds when the wearer exceeds a pre-set depth; {i} transparent mineral (especially a type of quartz); type of clear glass; The transparent cover over a watch dial - usually made of glass, crystal, or plastic; Ornamental vessels are made of it; A species of glass, more perfect in its composition and manufacture than common glass, and often cut into ornamental forms; In wireless microphones and digital devices, a frequency stabilizing device consisting of a small quartz crystal in a holder The natural vibrational frequency of the quartz can be made highly stable by external circuitry and is used to establish the operating frequency of wireless transmitters, receivers and other RF and digital equipment; The normal form of a solid state of matter which has a regular repeating pattern
crystal ball: A way of seeing into the future
If her past is a crystal ball to her future, she will perhaps never be rich, even though she is a good, kind, educated, hard-working person.
crystal ball: A globe of glass or crystal used to foretell the future
Oh, crystal ball, crystal ball, / Save us all, tell me life is beautiful, / Mirror, mirror on the wall..
crystal balls: plural form of crystal ball
crystal clear: Visually clear, a sharp image, high acuity
The picture on this TV is crystal clear – you can see every grain of sand!.
crystal clear: Completely clear and understood
Reread through the manual until the instructions are crystal clear in your head.
crystal healing: The supposed therapeutic effects of crystals
crystal lattice: A regular three-dimensional geometric arrangement of atoms, molecules or ions in a crystal
crystal meth: The drug methamphetamine hydrochloride
crystal momentum: A specific vector associated with the movement of electrons in a crystal lattice
crystal radio: A crystal set
crystal set: An early radio receiver, having no electrical power supply except the radio waves themselves; it used a crystal of lead or cadmium sulphide and a wire (the cat's whisker) touching the crystal's surface
crystal sets: plural form of crystal set
crystal twinning: The intergrowth of two twin crystals
crystal violet: A dye, derived from gentian violet, that is used as an acid-base indicator and as a biological stain
Crystal Palace: {i} large iron and glass building erected in Hyde Park (London, England) that accommodated the Great Exhibition in 1851 and afterwards was moved to south London (destroyed by fire in 1936)
Crystal Palace: a large building made of glass and iron, built in Hyde Park, London to contain the Great Exhibition of 1851. The building was later moved to South London, but was destroyed by fire in 1936. The name 'Crystal Palace' is still used for a football team and a district in South London. Giant glass-and-iron exhibition hall in Hyde Park, London, that housed the Great Exhibition of 1851. It was taken down and rebuilt (1852-54) at Sydenham Hill, where it survived until its destruction by fire in 1936. Designed by the greenhouse builder Sir Joseph Paxton (1801-1865), it was a remarkable assembly of prefabricated parts. Its intricate network of slender iron rods sustaining walls of clear glass established an architectural standard for later international exhibitions, likewise housed in glass conservatories
Crystal Palace Exhibition: {i} The Great Exhibition, The Great Exhibition of 1851, international exhibition that took place at the Crystal Palace (Hyde Park, London) from May 1st to October 15th 1851 (was the first of many World's Fair exhibitions of culture and industry)
crystal ball: If you say that someone, especially an expert, looks into a crystal ball, you mean that they are trying to predict the future. Crystal balls are traditionally used by fortune-tellers. Local economists have looked into their crystal balls and seen something rather nasty. a glass ball that you can look into, which some people believe can show what is going to happen in the future
crystal ball: a glass or crystal globe used in crystal gazing by fortunetellers
crystal ball: circular orb made out of clear and transparent quartz or glass (used by fortune-tellers to predict the future)
crystal clear: (of language) transparently clear; easily understandable; "writes in a limpid style"; "lucid directions"; "a luculent oration"- Robert Burton; "pellucid prose"; "a crystal clear explanation"; "a perspicuous argument"
crystal clear: emphasis If you say that a message or statement is crystal clear, you are emphasizing that it is very easy to understand. The message is crystal clear -- if you lose weight, you will have a happier, healthier, better life
crystal clear: transmitting light; able to be seen through with clarity; "the cold crystalline water of melted snow"; "crystal clear skies"; "could see the sand on the bottom of the limpid pool"; "lucid air"; "a pellucid brook"; "transparent cristal"
crystal clear: Water that is crystal clear is absolutely clear and transparent like glass. The cliffs, lapped by a crystal-clear sea, remind her of Capri
crystal clear: absolutely evident, positively certain
crystal controlled: In wireless, equipment whose operating frequency is directly established by a crystal, rather than indirectly as in a frequency synthesizer Also commonly used to refer to equipment which is only able to operate on one fixed frequency, as versus a number of synthesized frequencies Back to top DAT Digital Audio Tape
crystal counter: a counter tube in which an ionizing event increases conductivity
crystal detector: A rectifying detector used especially in early radio receivers and consisting of a semiconducting crystal in point contact with a fine metal wire
crystal detector: a detector consisting of a fine wire in contact with a galena crystal; acts as a rectifier
crystal gazing: staring into a crystal ball to arouse visions of future or distant events
crystal lattice: A geometric arrangement of the points in space at which the atoms, molecules, or ions of a crystal occur. Also called space lattice. Three-dimensional configuration of points connected by lines used to describe the orderly arrangement of atoms in a crystal. Each point represents one or more atoms in the actual crystal. The lattice is divided into a number of identical blocks or cells that are repeated in all directions to form a geometric pattern. Lattices are classified according to their dominant symmetries: isometric, trigonal, hexagonal, tetragonal, orthorhombic, monoclinic, and triclinic. Compounds that exhibit a crystal-lattice structure include sodium chloride (table salt), cesium chloride, and boron nitride. See also solid-state physics
crystal microphone: a microphone in which sound waves vibrate a piezoelectric crystal that generates a varying voltage
crystal oscillator: an oscillator that produces electrical oscillations at a frequency determined by the physical characteristics of a piezoelectric quartz crystal
crystal pickup: a cartridge in which an output voltage is produced by the vibration of a piezoelectric crystal
crystal pleat: One of a series of very narrow pleats creased in the same direction
crystal set: an early radio receiver using a crystal detector
crystal structure: The pattern in which the atoms and molecules forming a mineral are arranged This controls the shape of the crystal and the properties of the mineral, such as how it splits, the hardness and how light passes through it
crystal structure: stal structure
crystal structure: for crystalline materials, the manner in which atoms or ions are arrayed in space It is defined in terms of the unit cell geometry and the atom positions within the cell
crystal structure: A scheme by which crystal structures are classified according to unit cell geometry This geometry is specified in terms of the relationships between edge lengths and interaxial angles There are seven different crystal systems
crystal structure: The order in which atoms are arranged in a material These arrangements have a direct effect on the physical properties of the material These arrangements commonly take the form of cubes, rectangular solids, hexagonal solids etc A thorough treatment of crystal structure and other materials issues can be found at the Visualizations in Materials Science WWW site
crystal structure: The orderly arrangement of atoms in a crystalline material
crystal structure: A structure obtained by x-ray diffraction analysis of a crystal consisting of an ordered array of biomacromolecules
crystal violet: gentian violet: a green crystal (violet in water) used as a dye or stain or bactericide or fungicide or anthelmintic or burn treatment
crystal violet: A dye derived from gentian violet that is used as a general biological stain and an acid-base indicator
crystal wedding: 15th wedding anniversary
clear as crystal: transparent
clear as crystal: understandable
crystallization: The formation of a solid from a solution, melt, vapour or from a different solid phase
crystallization: The process or the result of becoming more definite or precise
crystallized: being crystalline, in the form of crystals
crystallized: having definitive and fixed form, solidified
crystallized: Simple past tense and past participle of crystallize
ionic crystal: a class of crystal consisting of a lattice of ions held together by their electrostatic interaction; they exhibit strong absorption of infrared radiation and have planes along which they cleave easily
liquid crystal: a phase of matter similar to a liquid, in which the molecules are arranged regularly in one or two dimensions
liquid crystal display: A display device that uses liquid crystals to control luminance of each pixel or pattern
liquid crystal displays: plural form of liquid crystal display
positive crystal: a doubly refracting crystal in which the index of refraction for the extraordinary ray is greater than for the ordinary ray, and the former is refracted nearer to the axis than the latter, such as as quartz and ice; as opposed to negative crystal: one in which this characteristic is reversed, such as Iceland spar or tourmaline
quartz-crystal clock: a clock which is regulated by a quartz crystal
rock crystal: clear, colourless form of the silica-based mineral quartz, often called "pure quartz" or "clear quartz"
single crystal: A material formed from by the growth of a crystal nucleus without secondary nucleation or impingement on other crystals; a regular three-dimensional structure extends throughout the material
twin crystal: either of two separate crystals that share crystal lattice points in a symmetrical manner and intergrow
Bohemia crystal: Bohemian glass, or Bohemia crystal, is a decorative glass produced in regions of Bohemia and Silesia, now in the current state of the Czech Republic
Crystallization: crystallurgy
Crystallization: isometrical
Crystallization: isometric
Waterford crystal: a type of valuable glass, made into such things as wine glasses and vases, that is made from crystal (=a high quality type of glass) in Waterford in Ireland
crystallization: The process of forming crystals that result from chemical elements solidifying with an orderly internal structure
crystallization: the process of forming crystals from the melt or solution
crystallization: A process in which a liquid solution is cooled or solvent is evaporated to an extent that solid crystals of solute form The crystals in the slurry leaving the crystallizer may subsequently be separated from the liquid in a filter or centrifuge
crystallization: Honey is a supersaturated solution Crystals will develop in honey when glucose crystallizes out of solution Crystallization of honey is most rapid at 57 degrees F
crystallization: Chilling waste to form crystals which are separated by gravity or filtration
crystallization: That point in time where a contract or agreement triggers certain clauses in that contract For example, when a bank appoints an Agent pursuant to its General Security Agreement, all the assets of the company in question, that are not secured by other creditors, are captured by that General Security Agreement A-B C D-E F-G-H-IJ-K-L-M-N-OP-Q R-S T-U-V-W-X-Y-Z
crystallization: The act or process by which a substance in solidifying assumes the form and structure of a crystal, or becomes crystallized
crystallization: a rock formed by the solidification of a substance; has regularly repeating internal structure; external plane faces
crystallization: The process of a substance going directly from a vapor form (water vapor) to a solid (ice) at the same temperature, without going through the liquid phase (water) The opposite of sublimation
crystallization: A change in physical properties resulting from the crystalline reorientation caused by temperature
crystallization: {i} act of crystallizing (taking form or shape of crystals), formation of crystals; forming into crystals; causing to take form or shape, causing to form into crystals (also crystallisation)
crystallization: (1) The separation, usually from a liquid phase on cooling, of a solid crystalline phase (2) Sometimes erroneously used to explain fracturing that actually has occurred by fatigue
crystallization: (Achat-vendu) Simultaneous redemption-purchase of a security (very often for tax purposes)
crystallization: the formation of crystals
crystallization: The process through which crystals separate from the fluid (magma) state
crystallization: The body formed by crystallizing; as, silver on precipitation forms arborescent crystallizations
crystallization: a mental synthesis that becomes fixed or concrete by a process resembling crystal formation
crystallization: The phenomenon of crystal formation by nucleation and accretion (gradual buildup of substance)
crystallization: The process of forming crystals
crystallization: Sugar crystals are formed during the process of cooking sugar when the particles stick together because the liquid they are mixed with is saturated to its fullest point and cannot absorb any more sugar Whether fudge has a grainy or smooth texture is determined by controlling the sugar crystallization If the mixture is stirred while warm, large crystals form and produce a grainy texture If it is stirred when cool, small crystals form, resulting in a smooth texture Sugar crystallization also occurs when moisture accumulates on the surface of chocolate and the sugar is drawn up This condition is called sugar bloom, which is visible as white streaks and dots and grainy texture It is not the same as chocolate bloom
crystallization: a mental synthesis that becomes fixed or concrete by a process resembling crystal formation the formation of crystals
crystallization: Process by which a polymer can form a geometrically regular (ordered) structure to produce a more stress resistant, dimensionally stable polymer that its non-crystalline counterpart
crystallized: crys·tal·lized in BRIT, also use crystallised Crystallized fruits and sweets are covered in sugar which has been melted and then allowed to go hard. crystallized fruit, ginger, or flowers are made by a special process which covers them with sugar
crystallized: past of crystallize
crystallized: having become fixed and definite in form; "distinguish between crystallized and uncrystallized opinion"- Psychological Abstracts
crystallized: having both internal structure and external form of a crystal; "quartz crystal is perfectly crystallized"
crystals: This refers to a type of electronic passive component which provides an accurate oscillation frequency with superior temperature characteristics to the circuit It is widely used in cordless telephones, quartz watches as well as other electronic equipment
crystals: Crystals are tuned to resonate at an exact frequency so that the transmitter (Tx) and receiver (Rx) operate on the same frequency Crystals may be purchased separately and in many different channels
crystals: Crystals are materials which has its molecules arranged in a specific, highly ordered internal pattern This pattern is reflected in the crystal's external structure which typically has symmetrical planar surfaces Many common substances, from salt to sugar, from diamonds to quartz form crystals They can be shaped so that they will vibrate at a specific frequency and are widely used in radio communications and computing devices New Agers believe that crystals posses healing energy See New Age
crystals: tartrate crystals can appear in red and white wine Tartaric acid is the principle acid in wine and it gradually precipitates as tartrate crystals as the wine matures Sometimes they can be seen clinging to the bottom of the cork The presence or tartrates is a sign of quality However, most uninformed people object to their presence and modern winemaking practise is to refrigerate white wines to hasten this precipitation so that the bottled wine will remain free of them
crystals: Crystals are tuned to resonate at an exact frequency so that the transmitter and receiver operate on the same frequency Crystals may be purchased separately and in many different channels
crystals: plural of crystal
crystals: Crystal-based technologies such as electronic circuitry, computers, and laser beams, now used in medical diagnostic equipment and surgical techniques, have revolutionized conventional medicine CAT scans, magnetic resonance imaging, mammograms, laser surgery, and microsurgery are commonplace today Newer applications are in development, including Kirlian photography to capture subtle energy emanating from the physical body (the aura), and sonic imagers to graphically display the vibrational tones emitted by the body in illness and health
crystals: particular crystals have different energies, if you dream of a particular crystal then check out the crystal page and see what its area of influence is, maybe you need to work with that particular stone
crystals: These are considered to have certain healing properties which relieve ailments of the body, mind, and heart For example, quartz crystals, worn on the body, are said by the Health and Fitness Arcade, to enhance the crystalline properties in the body, within the cells, circulatory system, fat tissue, lymph and nervous system
crystals: a homogenous solid formed by a repeating three-dimensional pattern of atoms, ions, or molecules and having fixed distances between constituent parts; a mineral, especially a transparent form of quartz - BACK>>
crystals: Attractive rock formations of natural or psychological power that should on no account be buried at ancient sites People who advocate this do not know the problems they cause archaeologically and otherwise, and are advocating wilful vandalism on a par to lighting fires, writing graffiti, etc , within a sacred area
ice crystal: small crystals of ice
ice crystal: tiny bit of ice
liquid crystal: a liquid exhibiting properties of a crystal that are not shown by ordinary liquids
liquid crystal: {i} liquid in which the molecules or atoms are displayed in order at fixed intervals in one or two dimensions and has the characteristics of a crystal
liquid crystal: A liquid crystal is a liquid that has some of the qualities of crystals, for example reflecting light from different directions in different ways. Any of various liquids in which the atoms or molecules are regularly arrayed in either one dimension or two dimensions, the order giving rise to optical properties, such as anisotropic scattering, associated with the crystals. Substance that flows like a liquid but maintains some of the ordered structure characteristic of a crystal. Some organic substances do not melt directly when heated but instead turn from a crystalline solid to a liquid crystalline state. When heated further, a true liquid is formed. Liquid crystals have unique properties. The structures are easily affected by changes in mechanical stress, electromagnetic fields, temperature, and chemical environment. See also liquid crystal display
liquid crystal display: {i} (Electronics, Computers) display which sends an electrical current through liquid crystals in order to produce characters (used in computer displays, television screen, digital watches and calculators), LCD
liquid crystal display: A liquid crystal display is a display of information on a screen, which uses liquid crystals that become visible when electricity is passed through them. = LCD. Optoelectronic device used in displays for watches, calculators, notebook computers, and other electronic devices. Current passed through specific portions of the liquid crystal solution causes the crystals to align, blocking the passage of light. Doing so in a controlled and organized manner produces visual images on the display screen. The advantage of LCDs is that they are much lighter and consume less power than other display technologies (e.g., cathode-ray tubes). These characteristics make them an ideal choice for flat-panel displays, as in portable laptop and notebook computers
liquid crystal display: a digital display that uses liquid crystal cells that change reflectivity in an applied electric field; used for portable computer displays and watches etc
piezoelectric crystal: a crystal that can be used as a transducer
quartz crystal: A small crystal of quartz accurately cut along certain axes so that it can be vibrated at a particular frequency, used for its piezoelectric properties to produce an electric signal of constant known frequency
quartz crystal: a thin plate or small rod of quartz cut along certain lines and ground so that it can produce an electric signal at a constant frequency; used in crystal oscillators
rock crystal: Colorless transparent quartz, used in optical instruments and as a semiprecious gemstone. Transparent variety of the silica mineral quartz that is valued for its clarity and total lack of colour or flaws. Rock crystal formerly was used extensively as a gemstone, but it has been replaced by glass and plastic; rhinestones originally were quartz pebbles found in the Rhine River. The optical properties of rock crystal led to its use in lenses and prisms; its piezoelectric properties (see piezoelectricity) are used to control the oscillation of electrical circuits
rock crystal: The specimens which enclose hair-like substances are called Thetis's hair-stone, Venus's hair-stone, Venus's pencils, Cupid's net, Cupid's arrows, etc
rock crystal: quartz-like material resembling solid glass not used because of its rarity and high cost
rock crystal: The natural colorless quartz stone used to decorate metal chandeliers before glass was used The term crystal is normally only applied to the natural stone and is not appropriate to use in the description of glass
rock crystal: a clear quartz used in making electronic and optical equipment
watch crystal: cover that protects the face of a watch; concavo-convex glass that covers and protects the face of a watch

crystal

Hyphenation

Crys·tal

Turkish pronunciation

krîstıl

Synonyms

grain, clear-cut, limpid, lucent, lucid, luminous, pellucid, translucent, transpicuous, unblurred

Antonyms

amorphous, glass, clouded, foggy

Pronunciation

/ˈkrəstəl/ /ˈkrɪstəl/

Etymology

[ 'kris-t&l ] (noun.) 13th century. From Old English cristal (“clear ice/mineral”), from Old French cristal, from Latin crystallum (“crystal, ice”), from Ancient Greek κρύσταλλος (krustallos, “ice”), from κρύος (kruos, “frost”), from the Proto-Indo-European *kru(s)- (“hard, hard outer surface”).