Pronunciation: [kɹˈɪstə͡l] (IPA) 
The word "crystal" is spelled with the letters c-r-y-s-t-a-l. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is spelled /ˈkrɪstl/. The "c" represents the sound /k/, the "y" represents the vowel sound /ɪ/, the "s" represents the sound /s/, the "t" represents the sound /t/, and the final "l" represents the sound /l/. The "a" is silent in this word. This spelling represents the sound of the word accurately and helps ensure clear communication.
Crystal is a noun that refers to a solid substance which has a highly ordered internal structure formed by the repetition of a three-dimensional pattern. It is typically transparent, or translucent, with a high degree of optical clarity. Crystals are made up of atoms, ions, or molecules that are arranged in a specific, repeating pattern called a crystal lattice. This arrangement lends crystals their distinctive geometric shapes and symmetrical forms.
Crystals are known for their unique physical properties, such as their ability to refract, reflect, and transmit light. These properties make them valued for their aesthetic appeal and have led to their widespread use in jewelry and decorative items. Furthermore, crystals possess piezoelectric properties, meaning they can generate electricity when subjected to mechanical pressure or vibrations.
Crystals can occur naturally in various minerals, such as quartz, diamonds, and salt, or they can be synthetically produced through various techniques. They are categorized based on their chemical composition, atomic structure, and formational processes. Moreover, crystals also have significance in spiritual and metaphysical contexts, where they are believed to possess healing properties and emit positive energies.
In addition to their aesthetic and metaphysical appeal, crystals find practical applications in numerous fields including science, technology, and medicine. Their unique properties make them essential components in electronic devices, lasers, sensors, and medical instruments. Overall, crystals are treasured for their visually appealing attributes, scientific significance, and versatile applications across various domains.
One of the figures of symmetrical shape assumed by certain salts and other chemical compounds.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
• Clear; transparent.
• Anything congealed like ice with smooth surfaces; any natural body transparent or semi-transparent; a transparent substance made by fusing certain bodies together, as an alkali with flint or sand and lead; a fine kind of glass.
• Consisting of crystal; clear; transparent.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "crystal" comes from the Old French term "cristal" which originated from Latin "crystallum" and Greek "krýstallos". Both Latin and Greek borrowed the word from the ancient Greek term "krustallos", meaning "clear ice" or "rock crystal". The origin of "krustallos" is uncertain, but some speculate it was derived from a pre-Greek language of the Mediterranean region. Ultimately, "crystal" refers to a clear and transparent mineral with a crystal lattice structure.
