crystal

1 of 2

noun

crys·​tal ˈkri-stᵊl How to pronounce crystal (audio)
1
: quartz that is transparent or nearly so and that is either colorless or only slightly tinged
2
: something resembling crystal in transparency and colorlessness
3
: a body that is formed by the solidification of a chemical element, a compound, or a mixture and has a regularly repeating internal arrangement of its atoms and often external plane faces
4
: a clear colorless glass of superior quality
also : objects or ware of such glass
5
: the glass or transparent plastic cover over a watch or clock dial
6
: a crystalline material used in electronics as a frequency-determining element or for rectification
7
: crystal meth
broadly : methamphetamine in any form when used illicitly

crystal

2 of 2

adjective

1
: consisting of or resembling crystal : clear, lucid
2
: relating to or using a crystal
a crystal radio receiver

Examples of crystal in a Sentence

Noun the crystal structure of minerals a necklace made of crystal Some of the crystals used in the necklace are a pale pink color. The wine glasses are made of the finest crystal. She inherited her mother's crystal. Adjective an unspoiled region with majestic mountains and crystal streams
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Each pair also features saddle-style stitching, crystal lenses, unique textures, and daring colors. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 6 Mar. 2024 In the lab, the researchers then peered inside individual sand grain crystals of quartz and feldspar to measure environmental radiation that accumulated over thousands of years in the dune’s dark depths. Mindy Weisberger, CNN, 4 Mar. 2024 Many of the looks in the collection are almost couture-esque, incorporating feathers (something new for the brand) as well as new techniques of beading and corsetry and crystals in the evening wear. Allyson Portee, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Mar. 2024 But by the 1950s, clocks with improved batteries and oscillating quartz crystal resonators began to replace consumer electric clocks that synchronized with the power grid. IEEE Spectrum, 29 Feb. 2024 Its kitchen has pink cabinets with cupcake handles, a light pink fridge and matching stove, orange walls and a crystal chandelier. The Indianapolis Star, 26 Feb. 2024 In crystals, the atoms are arranged in an atomic pattern that repeats itself indefinitely in three dimensions. David Bressan, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 Blunt opted for a Giorgio Armani gown adorned with sequins, crystals and rosettes, twinning in red with fellow nominee Margot Robbie. Hedy Phillips, Peoplemag, 25 Feb. 2024 Nutrient-rich with Vitamin E and polyphenols, it’s topped with crunchy almonds and sugar crystals. Irene S. Levine, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2024
Adjective
Among pieces designated for a grand reveal is a jeweled top dripping in crystal fringe. Leah Faye Cooper, Vogue, 11 Feb. 2024 Malta has become increasingly popular over the years, with its crystal blue waters and numerous historic sites. Jordi Lippe, Travel + Leisure, 16 Feb. 2024 The crosses are strung together end to end, then finished with crystal charms at the end and met with a brass chain. Amanda Ogle, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2024 Although a bottle of wine boxed with a crystal spoon can seem like a bit of a gimmick, the viscosity makes sipping from a spoon rather than a glass a much more efficient means of imbibing with minimal loss. Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2024 The views of the crystal blue water and lush green palm trees are second to none and an incredible sight to see from the patio doors located in both the lounge area and bedroom. Brande Victorian, Essence, 20 Dec. 2023 Offering views of a crystal blue coastline, greenery as far as the eyes can see, and overlooking the hustle and bustle of tourists and locals going about their daily business at the port, the property gives much more than what meets the eye of a passer-by. Tenille Clarke, Essence, 21 Dec. 2023 When The White Lotus actor Sydney Sweeney graced the red carpet for the premiere of her new film, Anyone but You, all eyes were on her crystal Miu Miu gown. Georgia Day, Vogue, 12 Dec. 2023 The liquid inside turns from transparent to turbid depending on the weather outside — and the crystal glass is a sleek touch. Find it on Amazon SMIRLY Charcuterie Board Take your home happy hour to the next level with this charcuterie board. Rebecca Martinson, Rolling Stone, 8 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'crystal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English cristal "transparent quartz, object made from it," borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin crystallum, crystallus, crustallum "clear ice, rock crystal," borrowed from Greek krýstallos, probably borrowed from a pre-Greek substratum; replacing Old English cristalla, cristal, cristallum, borrowed from Latin crystallum

Note: Greek krýstallos was traditionally linked etymologically with krýos "icy cold, frost" and Latin crusta "hard surface layer," though the morphological details were not explicable (and crusta does not refer to ice or cold). More likely, as asserted by Robert Beekes (Etymological Dictionary of Greek [Leiden: Brill, 2010], p. 787), krýstallos, as evidenced by the suffix -allos (from *aly- according to Beekes) and the variant króstallos, is of pre-Greek origin. Cf. notes at cryo-, crust.

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of crystal was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near crystal

Cite this Entry

“Crystal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crystal. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

crystal

1 of 2 noun
crys·​tal ˈkris-tᵊl How to pronounce crystal (audio)
1
: a quartz that is transparent or nearly so
2
: something transparent like crystal
3
: a solid form of a substance or mixture that has a regularly repeating internal arrangement of its atoms and often external plane faces
a crystal of quartz
a snow crystal
a salt crystal
4
: a clear colorless glass of very good quality
also : things made of this glass
5
: the transparent cover over a watch or clock dial

crystal

2 of 2 adjective
1
: made of or resembling crystal
2
: using a crystal as a detector
a crystal radio receiver

Medical Definition

crystal

noun
crys·​tal ˈkris-tᵊl How to pronounce crystal (audio)
1
: a body that is formed by the solidification of a chemical element, a compound, or a mixture and has a regularly repeating internal arrangement of its atoms and often external plane faces
2
: crystal meth
broadly : methamphetamine in any form when used illicitly
crystal adjective

Geographical Definition

Crystal

geographical name

Crys·​tal ˈkri-stᵊl How to pronounce Crystal (audio)
city in southeastern Minnesota north of Minneapolis population 22,151

More from Merriam-Webster on crystal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!