Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Crystal
Crys′tal
(krĭs′tal)
, Noun.
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.
Blood 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.
Crys′tal
,Adj.
Consisting of, or like, crystal; clear; transparent; lucid; pellucid; crystalline.
Through
crystal
walls each little mote will peep. Shakespeare
By
crystal
streams that murmur through the meads. Dryden.
The
And from the ground rebounds the ratting hail.
crystal
pellets at the touch congeal,And from the ground rebounds the ratting hail.
H. Brooks.
Webster 1828 Edition
Crystal
CRYSTAL
,Noun.
1.
In chemistry and mineralogy, an inorganic body, which, by the operation of affinity, has assumed the form of a regular solid, terminated by a certain number of plane and smooth surfaces.2.
A factitious body, cast in glass houses, called crystal glass; a species of glass, more perfect in its composition and manufacture, than common glass. The best kind is the Venice crystal. It is called also factitious crystal or paste.3.
A substance of any kind having the form of a crystal.4.
The glass of a watch-case.Rock crystal, or mountain crystal, a general name for all the transparent crystals of quartz, particularly of limpid or colorless quartz.
Iceland crystal, a variety of calcarious spar, or crystalized carbonate of lime, brought from Iceland. It occurs in laminated masses, easily divisible into rhombs, and is remarkable for its double refraction.
CRYSTAL
,Adj.
By crystal streams that murmur thorough the meads.