quasicrystal

American  

[kwey-zahy-kris-tl, kwey-sahy‑, kwah-see‑, ‑zee‑] / ˌkweɪ zaɪˈkrɪs tl, ˌkweɪ saɪ‑, ˌkwɑ si‑, ‑zi‑ /

noun

1. a form of solid matter whose atoms are arranged like those of a crystal but assume patterns that do not exactly repeat themselves.

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Etymology

Origin of quasicrystal

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

In summary, the present breakthrough propels condensed matter physics and quasicrystal research into uncharted territories, paving the way for advanced electronic devices and next-generation refrigeration technologies.

From Science Daily • Jan. 18, 2024

Motivated largely by this debate, Steinhardt and a few colleagues began searching for a natural quasicrystal in 1999.

From Scientific American • Jun. 18, 2014

“It’s kind of a disharmony in space,” Steinhardt explained this winter in Princeton, carefully handling a plastic model of a quasicrystal that he keeps on his desk.

From Scientific American • Jun. 18, 2014

It still isn't clear how atoms assemble into quasicrystal structures, and the discovery has found few real-world applications.

From Nature • Oct. 12, 2011

It is also puzzling to researchers why the tetrahedrons in Dr. Glotzer’s simulations tend to the complex quasicrystal structures if the best packing is actually a much simpler structure.

From New York Times • Jan. 5, 2010