orthorhombic

[ awr-thuh-rom-bik ]

/ ˌɔr θəˈrɒm bɪk /

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adjective Crystallography.

noting or pertaining to a system of crystallization characterized by three unequal axes intersecting at right angles; rhombic; trimetric.

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Compare crystal system.

Origin of orthorhombic

First recorded in 1865–70; ortho- + rhombic

OTHER WORDS FROM orthorhombic

pseu·do·or·tho·rhom·bic, adjective

Words nearby orthorhombic

orthoptic, orthoptics, orthoptist, orthopyroxene, orthorexia, orthorhombic, orthoscope, orthoscopic, orthoselection, orthosis, orthostat

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use orthorhombic in a sentence

Though closely resembling the tetragonal torbernite in form, it crystallizes in the orthorhombic system and is optically biaxial.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 3, Part 1, Slice 1|Various
It crystallizes in the orthorhombic system and is isomorphous with stibnite (Sb2S3), which it closely resembles in appearance.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Slice 1|Various
A sulphate of barium crystallizing in orthorhombic prisms usually of tabular habit.
Geology|William J. Miller
Crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, usually in tabular form, but crystals not common.
Geology|William J. Miller

Orthorhombic crystals common, usually prisms capped at one end by pyramided faces and abruptly terminated at the other.
Geology|William J. Miller

British Dictionary definitions for orthorhombic

orthorhombic

/ (ˌɔːθəʊˈrɒmbɪk) /

adjective

crystallog relating to the crystal system characterized by three mutually perpendicular unequal axesAlso: rhombic, trimetric

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

Scientific definitions for orthorhombic

orthorhombic

[ ôr′thō-rŏm′bĭk ]

Relating to a crystal having three axes of different lengths intersecting at right angles. The mineral topaz has orthorhombic crystals. See illustration at crystal.