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English Words Starting With C

13,732 entries — pick a word to see its definition, pronunciation, and usage.

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Noun Verb Adjective Adverb Plural noun Combining form Verb (transitive)Verb (intransitive)Verb (ambitransitive)

cryptozoology
nounLow
/ˌkrɪp.təʊ.zəʊˈɒl.ə.dʒi/The study of or search for animals whose existence is unproven, such as Bigfoot or the Loch Ness Monster.
cryptozoon
nounExtremely Rare / Technical
/ˌkrɪptəʊˈzəʊɒn/A fossil or structure in sedimentary rock believed to be of organic origin, particularly a presumed fossil of a primitive or enigmatic organism.
crystal
adjectivenounverb-transitiveB2
/ˈkrɪstl/A clear, transparent mineral or glass, especially quartz, with a regular geometric shape formed by its molecular structure.
crystal ball
nounC1
/ˈkrɪstl bɔːl/A transparent glass or crystal sphere, traditionally used by fortune-tellers and psychics to try to see the future or gain spiritual insight.
crystal class
nounVery Low (Academic/Specialist)
/ˌkrɪs.təl ˈklɑːs/In crystallography, one of the 32 possible categories of symmetrical forms that crystals can take, based on their point group symmetry. It describes the set of symmetry operations that leave the crystal's external shape unchanged.
crystal counter
nounRare (Technical)
/ˈkrɪstl ˈkaʊntə/A device, often used in physics or engineering, that detects and counts particles or radiation using a crystalline material.
crystal detector
nounvery low
/ˈkrɪstl dɪˈtektə/A primitive early radio component used to demodulate amplitude modulated (AM) radio signals, consisting of a mineral crystal contacted by a thin metal wire (cat's whisker).
crystal form
nounLow
/ˈkrɪstl fɔːm/The characteristic external shape of a crystalline substance, defined by its symmetry and geometry.
crystal gazing
nounC1
/ˈkrɪs.təl ˌɡeɪ.zɪŋ/The practice of looking into a crystal ball or other reflective surface in an attempt to see visions of the future or gain spiritual insight.
crystal habit
nounLow
/ˈkrɪstl̩ ˈhæbɪt/The characteristic external shape of a crystal or group of crystals, determined by the arrangement of its internal structure and growth conditions.
crystal healing
nounLow
/ˈkrɪstl ˈhiːlɪŋ/A pseudoscientific alternative medicine practice that uses crystals and gemstones for therapeutic purposes.
crystal lake
nounLow (as a specific compound noun); very high as separate common words.
/ˈkrɪst(ə)l leɪk/A lake with water that is exceptionally clear and transparent, often suggesting purity.
crystal lattice
nounC1/C2
/ˌkrɪstl ˈlætɪs/The regular, repeating three-dimensional arrangement of atoms, ions, or molecules in a crystalline solid.
crystal meth
nounC2
/ˌkrɪstl ˈmeθ/A highly addictive, crystalline form of the stimulant drug methamphetamine.
crystal microphone
nounC1
/ˈkrɪstl ˈmaɪkrəfəʊn/A type of microphone that uses a piezoelectric crystal to convert sound waves into electrical signals.
crystal nucleus
nounC2
/ˈkrɪs.təl ˈnjuː.kli.əs/The initial microscopic cluster of atoms, ions, or molecules from which a crystal grows.
crystal oscillator
nounC2
/ˈkrɪstl ˈɒsɪleɪtə/A precise electronic component that uses the mechanical resonance of a vibrating crystal to generate a stable clock signal.
crystal palace
nounB2
/ˌkrɪs.təl ˈpæl.ɪs/A specific, large Victorian glass and iron exhibition hall built in Hyde Park, London, for the Great Exhibition of 1851, later relocated and destroyed by fire.
crystal pick-up
nounC2
/ˌkrɪstl ˈpɪkʌp/A type of phonograph cartridge or stylus that uses piezoelectric crystals to convert mechanical vibrations from a record groove into an electrical audio signal.
crystal pickup
nounC2
/ˈkrɪstl ˈpɪkʌp/A type of phonograph (record player) cartridge or needle assembly that uses a piezoelectric crystal to convert mechanical vibrations from a record groove into electrical audio signals.

Showing 12741–12760 of 13732 words.