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Synonyms

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.


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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

The piece dominates a soaring atrium, capped with a curved, crystalline glass roof.

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From The Wall Street Journal