crystal
Crystal is defined as a mineral that is generally made of transparent quartz in a shape of cubic symmetry or a glass that is clear, colorless and of high quality.
(noun)- An example of a crystal is a piece of amethyst in its natural form.
- An example of a crystal is an antique European wine glass with cut out ornamentation.
The definition of crystal is clear or see through.
(adjective)An example of crystal used as an adjective is the phrase "crystal lake" which means a lake where there is no garbage, pollution, etc. ruining the color or clarity of the water.
See crystal in Webster's New World College Dictionary
noun
- a clear, transparent mineral; esp., pure quartz
- a piece of such quartz cut in the form of an ornament
- a very clear, brilliant glass
- articles made of this glass, such as goblets, bowls, or other ware
- ☆ the transparent protective covering over the face of a watch
- anything clear and transparent like crystal
- a solidified form of a substance in which the atoms or molecules are arranged in a definite pattern that is repeated regularly in three dimensions: crystals tend to develop forms bounded by definitely oriented plane surfaces that are harmonious with their internal structures
- Radio, Elec. a piezoelectric body or plate, as of quartz, used to control very precisely the frequency of an oscillator or as a circuit element in a crystal filter or a body, often of Rochelle salt, used in a transducer, as in a crystal pickup or microphone
Origin: altered (modeled on L) < ME & OFr cristal, OE cristalla < L crystallum, crystal, ice < Gr krystallos < kryos: see crude
adjective
- of or composed of crystal
- like crystal; clear and transparent
- Radio of or using a crystal
noun
Origin: see crystal
See crystal in American Heritage Dictionary 4
crys·tal
noun- a. A homogenous solid formed by a repeating, three-dimensional pattern of atoms, ions, or molecules and having fixed distances between constituent parts.b. The unit cell of such a pattern.
- A mineral, especially a transparent form of quartz, having a crystalline structure, often characterized by external planar faces.
- a. A natural or synthetic crystalline material having piezoelectric or semiconducting properties.b. An electronic device, such as an oscillator or detector, using such a material.
- a. A high-quality, clear, colorless glass.b. An object, especially a vessel or ornament, made of such glass.c. Such objects considered as a group.
- A clear glass or plastic protective cover for the face of a watch or clock.
- Slang A stimulant drug, usually methamphetamine, in its powdered form.
Origin: Middle English cristal, from Old French, from Latin crystallum, from Greek krustallos, ice, crystal; see kreus- in Indo-European roots.
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