crystal Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a solid formed by the solidification of a chemical and having a highly regular atomic structure
  2. noun a crystalline element used as a component in various electronic devices
  3. noun a rock formed by the solidification of a substance; has regularly repeating internal structure; external plane faces
    crystallization.
  4. noun colorless glass made of almost pure silica
    quartz glass; lechatelierite; quartz; vitreous silica.
  5. noun glassware made of quartz
  6. noun a protective cover that protects the face of a watch
    watch glass; watch crystal.

WordNet

Crys"tal noun
Etymology
OE. cristal, F. cristal, L. crystallum crystal, ice, fr. Gr. , fr. icy cold, frost; cf. AS. crystalla, fr. L. crystallum; prob. akin to E. crust. See Crust, Raw.
Definitions
  1. (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.
  2. 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.
  3. A species of glass, more perfect in its composition and manufacture than common glass, and often cut into ornamental forms. See Flint glass.
  4. The glass over the dial of a watch case.
  5. Anything resembling crystal, as clear water, etc.
    The blue crystal of the seas. Byron.
Crys"tal adjective
Definitions
  1. Consisting of, or like, crystal; clear; transparent; lucid; pellucid; crystalline.
    Through crystal walls each little mote will peep. Shak.
    By crystal streams that murmur through the meads. Dryden.
    The crystal pellets at the touch congeal, And from the ground rebounds the ratting hail. H. Brooks.

Webster 1913