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

Surrounding a patch of quasicrystal was stishovite, an ultra-high-pressure form of quartz.

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

They found not liquid crystals but complex quasicrystal structures with patterns almost repeated yet not quite.

From New York Times • Jan. 5, 2010