crystal in English
- crystal⇄adj. crystallike.
- crystal⇄adj. 1. clear and transparent like crystal.
Ex. crystal spring water.
2. made of crystal.
Ex. crystal beads. Tap the rim with your fingernail and the clear ring reveals the exquisite perfection of this crystal glassware (Newsweek). < - crystal⇄crystal, noun, adjective.
- crystal⇄noun 1. a clear, transparent mineral that looks like ice, especially the transparent or nearly transparent form of pure quartz.
2. a piece of crystal cut into form for use or ornament. Crystals are used as beads, and hung around lights.
3a.
crystal in Gujarati ગુજરાતી
crystal in Marathi मराठी
crystal in Telugu తెలుగు
Crystal
Part of Speech
Noun, Adjective
Pronunciation
/ˈkrɪs.təl/
Definitions
- A solid substance in which the atoms, molecules, or ions are arranged in an orderly repeating pattern extending in all three spatial dimensions.
- A transparent or translucent rock, often used in jewelry or ornamentation, such as quartz or diamond.
- Referring to something clear or pure in appearance, often used metaphorically to describe clarity or transparency in ideas or objects.
Usage Examples
- The jeweler showed us a crystal that had been expertly cut into a beautiful diamond shape.
- She wore a crystal pendant that sparkled in the sunlight.
- The solution was as clear as crystal, with no impurities visible.
Etymology
From the Greek word "kristallos," meaning "frozen" or "clear ice," which later came to refer to transparent minerals like quartz. The word was borrowed into Latin as "crystallum" and was used to describe clear or transparent substances.
Synonyms
- Gem
- Quartz
- Glass
- Diamond
- Mineral
Antonyms
- Opaque
- Murky
- Cloudy
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Cristal | /kɾisˈtal/ |
| French | Cristal | /kʁistal/ |
| German | Kristall | /kʁɪˈʃtal/ |
| Italian | Cristallo | /krisˈtallo/ |
| Portuguese | Cristal | /kɾiʃˈtaw/ |
| Chinese | 水晶 (Shuǐjīng) | /shway-jing/ |
| Hindi | क्रिस्टल (Kristal) | /krɪsˈtʌl/ |
| Arabic | كريستال (Kristāl) | /kriːˈstɑːl/ |
| Russian | Кристалл (Kristall) | /kriˈstal/ |
| Japanese | クリスタル (Kurisutaru) | /kuri.su.ta.ru/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
While the general pronunciation of "crystal" is fairly consistent, regional accents may affect the clarity of the vowels. In British English, the "y" sound may be more pronounced, while in American English, the vowel sounds may be slightly softer.
Historical Usage
Historically, the term "crystal" was used to describe ice or clear water, and in ancient times, it was believed that crystals had mystical properties. During the Renaissance, the term expanded to describe any clear, transparent minerals. It became a commonly used term in mineralogy in the 17th and 18th centuries as more was understood about the molecular structures of crystals.
Cultural Nuances
Crystals have been historically associated with healing and spiritual practices in many cultures. In ancient Egypt, clear quartz was believed to be a symbol of purity and was used in various artifacts. Crystals like amethyst, sapphire, and jade have also been revered in different cultures for their beauty and metaphysical properties.
More Information
Crystals are solid substances with a highly ordered atomic structure. This arrangement allows crystals to have specific shapes and optical properties that distinguish them from other substances. Crystals are not only valued for their aesthetic properties but also for their importance in various scientific fields such as chemistry, physics, and medicine. In recent years, crystals have gained popularity in alternative healing practices, where they are believed to possess energies that can influence physical and emotional health.