crystalline

[kris-tl-in, -ahyn, -een]

adjective

1. of or like crystal; clear; transparent.

2. formed by crystallization.

3. composed of crystals.

4. pertaining to crystals or their formation.

crystalline

/ 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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of crystalline¹

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

Example Sentences

Mr. Hunter is unquestionably among the first tier of American playwrights, and his crystalline works are bountiful gifts to actors, in this case particularly the superlative Paul Sparks.

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“She sang it so beautifully. And her voice was so crystalline and gorgeous.”

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The newly recognized structure has been named Ice XXI, making it the 21st crystalline form of ice.

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"It's a big old cheese -- there's a lot going on. The texture is beautiful: it's flinty as you break it apart; the crystalline in there are so delicate," he said.

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Jamaican officials said around 25,000 tourists were in the country, famed for its normally crystalline waters.

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Related Words

• lucid 
• sparkling 
• translucent