quasicrystal

[ kwey-zahy-kris-tl, kwey-sahy‑, kwah-see‑, ‑zee‑ ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of quasicrystal¹

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

There was now a vast new world of possibilities with its own set of rules, which we named quasicrystals.

From Nautilus

In quasicrystals, however, different groups repeat at distinct intervals.

From Nautilus

Franke also wondered if quasicrystals could have practical uses.

From Science News

By scattering X-rays through it, the researchers revealed that the material had a type of symmetry found only in quasicrystals.

From Science News

This means quasicrystals can have properties that are forbidden for normal crystals.

From Science News