Crystalline
ˈkrɪstəˌlaɪn
Definitions
2 meaningsRelating to, or having the form of, a crystal; clear and transparent.
ˈkrɪstəˌlaɪn
Having the structure and form of a crystal; clear and transparent like crystal.
The crystalline water of the lake reflected the mountains.
💡 Simply: Imagine looking through a really clean window. 'Crystalline' means something is clear and you can see right through it, like a crystal. It's often used to describe things like water or sugar that have a special shape.
👶 For kids: Like a crystal, clear and see-through!
More Examples
The sugar has a crystalline texture.
The rock displayed a beautiful crystalline pattern under the microscope.
How It's Used
"The scientist studied the crystalline structure of the new mineral."
"The sculptor used crystalline glass to create a beautiful sculpture."
Having the structure and form of a crystal.
ˈkrɪstəˌlaɪn
Composed of, or resembling crystals.
The mineral exhibited a crystalline structure.
💡 Simply: Things that are 'crystalline' are made up of tiny bits that are all arranged in a neat, regular way, like the inside of a crystal or the arrangement of atoms in a certain material.
👶 For kids: Like a crystal, made of special shapes.
More Examples
The sugar formed crystalline granules as it cooled.
The crystalline arrangement of atoms allows certain properties of the material.
How It's Used
"The new compound exhibited a crystalline lattice structure."
"The geode revealed a cavity lined with crystalline quartz."
From Greek "krystallos" (crystal, ice) + Latin "-inus" (suffix denoting belonging or resemblance). Originally referring to ice or clear quartz, later generalized to any substance with a regular, repeating atomic structure.
The word 'crystalline' has been used since the 17th century to describe things resembling or made of crystal. It began in scientific contexts, then expanded to describe clarity and form in art and other areas.
Memory tip
Think of a crystal, which is clear and well-formed. Crystalline describes things like that.
Word Origin
"krystallos (crystal, ice) + -inus (suffix indicating belonging to or resembling)"