crystalline
UK: ˈkrɪs.təl.aɪn | US: ˈkrɪs.təl.ɪn
adj. resembling or made of crystal; clear and transparent
adj. having a regular, repeating molecular structure (chemistry/mineralogy)
n. a substance with a crystalline structure
The word "crystalline" derives from the Latin "crystallinus," which itself comes from the Greek "krustallos" (ice, crystal). The suffix "-ine" (from Latin "-inus") denotes "pertaining to" or "resembling." Historically, "crystal" referred to quartz or ice due to its clarity, and the term evolved to describe any transparent, geometrically structured solid. The modern scientific sense (referring to atomic/molecular order) emerged in the 17th century.
The lake’s crystalline water reflected the mountains perfectly.
Diamond is a crystalline form of carbon.
The chemist studied the crystalline structure of the salt.
Frost formed crystalline patterns on the windowpane.
The artist used glass to create a crystalline sculpture.