crystal: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal; technical in scientific contexts.
Quick answer
What does “crystal” mean?
A clear, transparent mineral or glass, especially quartz, with a regular geometric shape formed by its molecular structure.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A clear, transparent mineral or glass, especially quartz, with a regular geometric shape formed by its molecular structure.
1. A high-quality, clear glass. 2. A type of transparent cover for a watch or instrument. 3. (Chemistry/Physics) A solid material whose atoms are arranged in a highly ordered, repeating pattern. 4. (Slang) Crystal methamphetamine.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning. In slang, 'crystal' for methamphetamine is common in both, though perhaps more prevalent in US media.
Connotations
Both associate 'crystal' with clarity, purity, and value (e.g., crystal glasses). The slang 'crystal' carries strong negative connotations of addiction.
Frequency
The scientific term is equally frequent. The material for glassware ('lead crystal') is common in both.
Grammar
How to Use “crystal” in a Sentence
[adj] + crystal (e.g., 'quartz crystal')crystal + [noun] (e.g., 'crystal structure')verb + crystal (e.g., 'form/grow a crystal')prep + crystal (e.g., 'made of crystal')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crystal” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The solution was left to crystallise overnight.
- His plans began to crystalise after the meeting.
American English
- The solution was left to crystallize overnight.
- Her ideas finally crystallized into a book.
adverb
British English
- The star shone crystal bright in the night sky.
American English
- The ice was crystal hard.
adjective
British English
- She has a crystal-clear memory of the event.
- The crystal waters of the Scottish loch were stunning.
American English
- The instructions were crystal-clear.
- We swam in the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Marketing luxury goods: 'Our chandeliers feature genuine Swarovski crystal.'
Academic
Materials science: 'The X-ray diffraction revealed the crystal lattice parameters.'
Everyday
Describing clarity: 'The water in the lake was crystal clear.'
Technical
Electronics: 'The device uses a piezoelectric crystal for timing.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crystal”
- Misspelling as 'chrystal' or 'cristal'.
- Using 'crystal' as a general synonym for 'glass' (crystal is a specific type).
- Confusing 'crystal' (noun) with 'crystalline' (adjective).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily yes, but 'liquid crystal' (as in LCD screens) is a known exception—a state of matter with some crystalline properties.
'Glass' is usually amorphous (its atoms are not in a regular pattern), while 'crystal' has a highly ordered internal structure. In tableware, 'crystal' often contains lead oxide for added brilliance.
Yes, 'crystallise/crystallize' means to form crystals or to become definite and clear (e.g., 'The plan crystallised').
This stems from the historical practice of scrying (seeing visions) using a polished crystal ball, a tradition in various cultures.
A clear, transparent mineral or glass, especially quartz, with a regular geometric shape formed by its molecular structure.
Crystal is usually neutral to formal; technical in scientific contexts. in register.
Crystal: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkrɪstl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkrɪstl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Crystal clear (very easy to understand)”
- “A crystal ball (a means of predicting the future)”
- “Not a crystal stair (a difficult path; from Langston Hughes)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'CRYSTAL chandelier' - both words contain an 'R' followed by a 'YST' sound.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLARITY IS TRANSPARENCY (crystal clear thinking); THE FUTURE IS A SOLID OBJECT TO BE SEEN (crystal ball); PURITY IS A CLEAR MINERAL.
Practice
Quiz
In which context does 'crystal' NOT refer to a solid with a regular atomic structure?