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| n. 1. a. A homogenous solid formed by a repeating, three-dimensional pattern of atoms, ions, or molecules and having fixed distances between constituent parts. b. The unit cell of such a pattern. 2. A mineral, especially a transparent form of quartz, having a crystalline structure, often characterized by external planar faces. 3. a. A natural or synthetic crystalline material having piezoelectric or semiconducting properties. b. An electrical or electronic device that makes use of such a material, thereby allowing it to receive radio transmissions. 4. a. A high-quality, clear, colorless glass. b. An object, especially a vessel or ornament, made of such glass. c. Such objects considered as a group. 5. A clear glass or plastic protective cover for the face of a watch or clock. 6. Slang A stimulant drug, usually methamphetamine, in its powdered form. adj. Clear or transparent: a crystal lake; the crystal clarity of their reasoning. See Synonyms at clear. [Middle English cristal, from Old French, from Latin crystallum, from Greek krustallos, ice, crystal; see kreus- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]  (click for a larger image) crystalAxes of symmetry in the seven main crystal systems are depicted using different colors. Within each crystal, axes having the same color are of equal length. |
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