space lattice: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “space lattice” mean?
A regular, three-dimensional arrangement of points in space, representing the positions of atoms, ions, or molecules in a crystalline solid.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A regular, three-dimensional arrangement of points in space, representing the positions of atoms, ions, or molecules in a crystalline solid.
In a broader mathematical or computational context, it can refer to any discrete, repeating structure of points distributed through a space, used in modelling or theoretical physics.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling conventions follow the usual UK/US patterns in surrounding text.
Connotations
Identical scientific connotations.
Frequency
Equally rare and equally technical in both varieties; no regional frequency bias.
Grammar
How to Use “space lattice” in a Sentence
The [material] possesses/crystallises in a [type] space lattice.Atoms are arranged on a space lattice.The [property] is determined by the underlying space lattice.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “space lattice” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No verb form exists]
American English
- [No verb form exists]
adverb
British English
- [No adverb form exists]
American English
- [No adverb form exists]
adjective
British English
- The space-lattice parameters were measured using X-ray diffraction.
- It exhibited a perfect space-lattice arrangement.
American English
- The space-lattice parameters were measured using X-ray diffraction.
- A key factor is the space-lattice symmetry.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Core term in crystallography, materials science, solid-state physics, and chemistry papers.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Precisely defined term essential for describing the fundamental geometry of crystalline materials.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “space lattice”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “space lattice”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “space lattice”
- Using it to describe non-crystalline materials (e.g., glass).
- Confusing it with "crystal structure," which includes the lattice *plus* the basis of atoms.
- Pronouncing 'lattice' with a /ləˈtiːs/ instead of /ˈlæt.ɪs/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The space lattice is the abstract, periodic array of points. The crystal structure is the lattice *plus* the 'basis' (the group of atoms associated with each lattice point).
In two dimensions, it is simply called a 'plane lattice' or '2D lattice'. The term 'space lattice' specifically implies three dimensions.
Yes, by definition, a crystalline material has its constituent particles arranged on a space lattice. Glasses and other amorphous solids do not have a space lattice.
According to Bravais, there are 14 distinct three-dimensional space lattices, categorised into 7 crystal systems (cubic, tetragonal, orthorhombic, etc.).
A regular, three-dimensional arrangement of points in space, representing the positions of atoms, ions, or molecules in a crystalline solid.
Space lattice is usually technical/scientific in register.
Space lattice: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspeɪs ˌlæt.ɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspeɪs ˌlæt̬.ɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a three-dimensional chessboard stretching infinitely in all directions, with a chess piece (an atom) at every intersection point—that's a space lattice.
Conceptual Metaphor
A three-dimensional scaffold or framework; a perfectly repeating wallpaper pattern extended into the third dimension.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'space lattice'?