GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English
last match results
Found 2 definitions
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Crystal , n. [OE. cristal, F. cristal, L. crystallum crystal, ice, fr. Gr. κρύσταλλος, fr. κρύος icy cold, frost; cf. AS. crystalla, fr. L. crystallum; prob. akin to E. crust. See Crust, Raw.]
- (Chem. & Min.) The regular form which a substance tends to assume in solidifying, through the inherent power of cohesive attraction. It is bounded by plane surfaces, symmetrically arranged, and each species of crystal has fixed axial ratios. See Crystallization.1913 Webster
- The material of quartz, in crystallization transparent or nearly so, and either colorless or slightly tinged with gray, or the like; -- called also rock crystal. Ornamental vessels are made of it. Cf. Smoky quartz, Pebble; also Brazilian pebble, under Brazilian.1913 Webster
- A species of glass, more perfect in its composition and manufacture than common glass, and often cut into ornamental forms. See Flint glass.1913 Webster
- The glass over the dial of a watch case.1913 Webster
- Anything resembling crystal, as clear water, etc.1913 Webster
The blue crystal of the seas.
Byron.1913 WebsterBlood crystal. See under Blood. -- Compound crystal. See under Compound. -- Iceland crystal, a transparent variety of calcite, or crystallized calcium carbonate, brought from Iceland, and used in certain optical instruments, as the polariscope. -- Rock crystal, or Mountain crystal, any transparent crystal of quartz, particularly of limpid or colorless quartz.
1913 Webster
- (Chem. & Min.) The regular form which a substance tends to assume in solidifying, through the inherent power of cohesive attraction. It is bounded by plane surfaces, symmetrically arranged, and each species of crystal has fixed axial ratios. See Crystallization.
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Crystal, a. Consisting of, or like, crystal; clear; transparent; lucid; pellucid; crystalline.1913 Webster
Through crystal walls each little mote will peep.
Shak.1913 WebsterBy crystal streams that murmur through the meads.
Dryden.1913 WebsterThe crystal pellets at the touch congeal,
And from the ground rebounds the ratting hail.H. Brooks.1913 Webster