crystal
crystal definition
crys·tal (kris′təl)
noun
- a clear, transparent mineral; esp., pure quartz
- a piece of such quartz cut in the form of an ornament
- a very clear, brilliant glass
- articles made of this glass, such as goblets, bowls, or other ware
- ☆ the transparent protective covering over the face of a watch
- anything clear and transparent like crystal
- a solidified form of a substance in which the atoms or molecules are arranged in a definite pattern that is repeated regularly in three dimensions: crystals tend to develop forms bounded by definitely oriented plane surfaces that are harmonious with their internal structures
- Radio, Elec. a piezoelectric body or plate, as of quartz, used to control very precisely the frequency of an oscillator or as a circuit element in a crystal filter or a body, often of Rochelle salt, used in a transducer, as in a crystal pickup or microphone
Etymology: altered (modeled on L) < ME & OFr cristal, OE cristalla < L crystallum, crystal, ice < Gr krystallos < kryos: see crude
adjective
- of or composed of crystal
- like crystal; clear and transparent
- Radio of or using a crystal
Crystal definition
Crys·tal (kris′təl)
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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