bravais lattice: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (C2)Highly Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “bravais lattice” mean?
A distinct arrangement of points in three-dimensional space where the environment of each point is identical, representing the periodic translational symmetry of a crystal.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A distinct arrangement of points in three-dimensional space where the environment of each point is identical, representing the periodic translational symmetry of a crystal.
In crystallography and solid-state physics, one of the 14 possible three-dimensional geometric arrangements of points that can be infinitely repeated to fill all space. It describes the fundamental spatial framework upon which crystal structures are built by placing atoms or molecules at these points or within the unit cells defined by them.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage, spelling, or pronunciation. The term is invariant across scientific English.
Connotations
Purely technical, with no regional connotative differences.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both academic/technical contexts. Never used in general language.
Grammar
How to Use “bravais lattice” in a Sentence
The [crystal/material] has a [cubic] Bravais lattice.[Determining/Finding] the Bravais lattice is the first step.The structure is based on a [body-centered cubic] Bravais lattice.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bravais lattice” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Bravais-lattice classification is essential.
- They performed a Bravais-lattice analysis.
American English
- The Bravais-lattice symmetry was confirmed.
- We need the Bravais-lattice parameters.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Exclusively used in advanced undergraduate and postgraduate courses in physics, chemistry, materials science, geology, and crystallography. Found in textbooks and research papers.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Core term in crystallography software, research publications, and materials characterization labs (e.g., X-ray diffraction analysis).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bravais lattice”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bravais lattice”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bravais lattice”
- Pronouncing 'Bravais' as /ˈbrɑːvəs/ (like 'brave-us') instead of /brɑˈveɪ/ or /ˌbræveɪ/.
- Confusing it with 'crystal structure'. A crystal structure = Bravais lattice + basis (motif of atoms).
- Stating there are 7 Bravais lattices (that's the crystal systems). There are 14.
- Using it as a countable noun without specification: 'It has a Bravais lattice' is vague; 'It has a face-centered cubic Bravais lattice' is correct.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
There are 14 distinct three-dimensional Bravais lattices.
A crystal system (7 total) is defined by the geometric shape of the unit cell (axial lengths and angles). A Bravais lattice (14 total) is defined within a crystal system by also considering where lattice points occur (e.g., only corners, or corners and center).
It is named after the French physicist and crystallographer Auguste Bravais (1811–1863), who derived the 14 lattices in 1845.
Typically not, as it is a common noun in scientific terminology. 'Bravais' is capitalised as it's a proper name, but 'lattice' is not.
A distinct arrangement of points in three-dimensional space where the environment of each point is identical, representing the periodic translational symmetry of a crystal.
Bravais lattice is usually highly technical/scientific in register.
Bravais lattice: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbræveɪ ˈlætɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /brɑˈveɪ ˈlæt̬.ɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'BRAve Soldiers form a neAt laTTICEwork' – BRAvais LATTICE. The 14 types can be remembered by the 7 crystal systems, each having 1-4 variations (P, I, F, C).
Conceptual Metaphor
THE SKELETON/FRAMEWORK OF CRYSTALS (The Bravais lattice is the invisible, perfect scaffold; the atoms are the building materials attached to it).
Practice
Quiz
What is a Bravais lattice?