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

However, they are distributed unevenly throughout the already highly complex structure of a quasicrystal.

From Science Daily • May 13, 2026

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

If the Florence specimen formed in nature, it would contain the first natural quasicrystal ever discovered — something Steinhardt has been doggedly pursuing for 10 years.

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