polycrystalline

American  

[pol-ee-kris-tl-in, -ahyn, -een] / ˌpɒl iˈkrɪs tl ɪn, -ˌaɪn, -ˌin /

adjective

1. (of a rock or metal) composed of aggregates of individual crystals.

2. having or consisting of crystals that are variously oriented.

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Etymology

Origin of polycrystalline

First recorded in 1920–25; poly- + crystalline

Example Sentences

It also provides products for the telecommunications industry, optical materials for the semiconductor industry and the scientific community, and polycrystalline silicon products and other technologies.

From Barron's • Apr. 16, 2026

As things got hotter, the eggshells underwent a complete transformation with the calcite shells dissolving and being replaced by polycrystalline kozoite.

From Science Daily • Jun. 5, 2024

Along with their composition, the performance of a polycrystalline material is affected by its complex microstructure, dislocations, and impurities.

From Science Daily • Dec. 20, 2023

The project’s blueprint includes a smelter to make aluminum for electric vehicles and other factories to produce petrochemicals, batteries for EVs and polycrystalline materials used in solar panels.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 13, 2023

In 2016, the Northwestern team discovered the source of the problem: an ultrathin skin of tin oxide was forming around individual grains of polycrystalline tin selenide before they were pressed into ingots.

From Science Magazine • Aug. 2, 2021