hemimorphic

American  

[hem-i-mawr-fik] / ˌhɛm ɪˈmɔr fɪk /

adjective

1. (of a crystal) having the two ends of an axis unlike in their planes or modifications; lacking a center of symmetry.

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hemimorphic British  

/ ˌhɛmɪˈmɔːfɪk /

adjective

1. (of a crystal) having different forms at each end of an axis

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Other Word Forms

• hemimorphism noun
• hemimorphy noun

Etymology

Origin of hemimorphic

First recorded in 1860–65; hemi- + -morphic

Example Sentences

The name hemimorphite was given by G. A. Kenngott in 1853 because of the typical hemimorphic development of the crystals.

From Project Gutenberg

It is interesting crystallographically by reason of the hemimorphic development of its orthorhombic crystals; these are prismatic in habit and are differently terminated at the two ends.

From Project Gutenberg

Crystals of this class are therefore differently developed at the two ends and are said to be “hemimorphic.”

From Project Gutenberg

When a non-conducting crystal possessing this hemimorphic type of symmetry is subjected to changes of temperature a charge of positive electricity will be developed on the faces in the region of one end of the uniterminal axis, whilst the faces at the opposite end will be negatively charged.

From Project Gutenberg

Crystals are hexagonal with hemimorphic development, being differently terminated at the two ends.

From Project Gutenberg