crystalline

[ kris-tl-in, -ahyn, -een ]

adjective

1. of or like crystal; clear; transparent.
2. formed by crystallization.
3. composed of crystals.
4. pertaining to crystals or their formation.

crystalline

/ ˈkrɪstəˌlaɪn; ˌkrɪstəˈlɪnɪtɪ /

adjective

1. having the characteristics or structure of crystals
2. consisting of or containing crystals
3. made of or like crystal; transparent; clear

Derived Forms

• crystallinity, noun

Other Words From

• crys·tal·lin·i·ty [kris-tl-, in, -i-tee], noun
• multi·crystal·line adjective
• non·crystal·line adjective
• pre·crystal·line adjective
• pseudo·crystal·line adjective
• sub·crystal·line adjective
• un·crystal·line adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of crystalline¹

1350–1400; Middle English cristal ( l ) yn ( e ) < Latin crystallinus < Greek krystállinos. See crystal, -ine ¹

Example Sentences

Like all MOFs, the material features a porous, crystalline array of metal ions and organic linkers, with an internal area equivalent to about six football fields per tablespoon -- a huge area for adsorbing gases.

From Science Daily

But amid legal battles and calls to ban engineered stone, some companies have also begun offering newer products that are lower in crystalline silica.

From Los Angeles Times

Reyes Gonzalez is among scores of California countertop cutters who have sued companies like Caesarstone and Cambria after falling ill with silicosis, which is caused by inhaling tiny particles of crystalline silica.

From Los Angeles Times

"Only when you have this control it is probable to obtain a highly crystalline structure with an extensive order and, ultimately, the desired functionality," says Medina.

From Science Daily

Mitsuko Uchida is one of the world’s foremost pianists, renowned for her crystalline touch and her interpretations of Mozart and Schubert.

From New York Times

Related Words

• lucid
• sparkling
• translucent