crystalline
Americanadjective
-
of or like crystal; clear; transparent.
-
formed by crystallization.
-
composed of crystals.
-
pertaining to crystals or their formation.
adjective
-
having the characteristics or structure of crystals
-
consisting of or containing crystals
-
made of or like crystal; transparent; clear
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.
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.
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.
“She sang it so beautifully. And her voice was so crystalline and gorgeous.”
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
