crystalline

American  

[kris-tl-in, -ahyn, -een] / ˈkrɪs tl ɪn, -ˌaɪn, -ˌin /

adjective

1. of or like crystal; clear; transparent.

2. formed by crystallization.

3. composed of crystals.

4. pertaining to crystals or their formation.

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crystalline British  

/ ˈkrɪstəˌlaɪn, ˌkrɪstəˈlɪnɪtɪ /

adjective

1. having the characteristics or structure of crystals

2. consisting of or containing crystals

3. made of or like crystal; transparent; clear

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Other Word Forms

• crystallinity noun
• multicrystalline adjective
• noncrystalline adjective
• precrystalline adjective
• pseudocrystalline adjective
• subcrystalline adjective
• uncrystalline adjective

Etymology

Origin of crystalline

1350–1400; Middle English cristal ( l ) yn ( e ) < Latin crystallinus < Greek krystállinos. See crystal, -ine ¹

Example Sentences

This level of control allows, in principle, the creation of three dimensional devices from nearly any crystalline material.

From Science Daily

Solid electrolytes made from crystalline materials tend to develop microscopic cracks.

From Science Daily

Scientists at Florida State University have developed a new type of crystalline material that displays rare and intricate magnetic behavior.

From Science Daily

The term derives from the white crystalline powder used in cleaning, soldering, glass making and in pesticides, which in centuries past was sold as a cure-all.

From The Wall Street Journal

Once that confinement breaks down, the built-up tension is released and the metal rearranges into its usual crystalline form.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• lucid
• sparkling
• translucent