Crystal
'krɪstəl
Definitions
3 meaningsA clear, transparent mineral or glass, often with a regular geometric shape.
'krɪstəl
A clear, transparent mineral or glass.
The scientist observed the crystal structure under a microscope.
💡 Simply: Imagine a tiny, pretty rock that's clear like glass and has sharp sides. Like the sparkly decorations on a chandelier!
👶 For kids: A clear rock that shines and has pointy sides.
More Examples
The chandelier was decorated with beautiful crystal pendants.
The fortune teller used a crystal ball to make predictions.
How It's Used
"Amethyst is a beautiful crystal found in volcanic rocks."
"The necklace was adorned with sparkling crystals."
"Scientists study the crystal structure of various materials to understand their properties."
Clear, transparent, or made of crystal; of the nature of crystal.
'krɪstəl
Made of or resembling crystal; clear and transparent.
The lake was crystal clear, reflecting the blue sky.
💡 Simply: Describes something that's super clear, like seeing right through it! Imagine a crystal-clear window or a crystal-clear pond.
👶 For kids: Super clear, like glass.
More Examples
She had crystal clear vision after her surgery.
The crystal goblet gleamed on the table.
How It's Used
"The artist painted a crystal-clear lake."
"Her crystal-clear voice filled the concert hall."
To form crystals; to cause to take on crystalline form.
'krɪstəlaɪz
To form into crystals; to crystallize.
The salt solution crystallized over time.
💡 Simply: When a liquid turns into little, sparkly shapes (crystals) when it gets cold. Like when sugar turns into rock candy!
👶 For kids: To make something look like a crystal.
More Examples
The artist's vision crystallized into a beautiful masterpiece.
The scientists tried to crystallize the protein for analysis.
How It's Used
"The sugar solution began to crystalize as it cooled."
"The sculptor crystallized his ideas into a statue."
Idioms & expressions
crystal ball
A tool for seeing the future.
"I wish I had a crystal ball to see the future and know what the stock market will do."
crystal clear
Easily understood; transparent and free from ambiguity.
"His instructions were crystal clear, so there was no confusion."
From Middle English cristal, from Old French cristal, from Latin crystallum, from Ancient Greek κρύσταλλος (krústallos, “ice, crystal”).
The word 'crystal' has been used since the 14th century, originally referring to rock crystal (quartz).
Memory tip
Think of a clear, shiny rock – a crystal!
Word Origin
"ice, crystal (κρύσταλλος, krustallos)"