Pronunciation: [kɹˈɪstɐlˌa͡ɪn] (IPA) 
The word "crystalline" is spelled as /ˈkrɪstəlaɪn/. The letter "y" in the word is pronounced as /aɪ/ and not /i/ as in the word "crystal". The double letter "l" and the letter "i" at the end make it clear that the second syllable is pronounced with a long "i" sound. "Crystalline" is commonly used to describe something that is made up of crystals or has a crystalline structure, such as minerals or ice.
Crystalline is an adjective that refers to a substance or material that has a clear and distinct crystalline structure. It is derived from the word "crystal," which is a solid material made up of atoms or molecules arranged in a highly ordered, repeating pattern, giving it a symmetrical shape with smooth, flat faces.
When describing something as crystalline, it usually implies that it possesses the properties or characteristics associated with crystals. This includes the highly ordered arrangement of its internal structure, which results in a regular pattern of atomic or molecular units, often exhibiting symmetry and sharp edges. Crystalline substances are typically transparent or translucent, allowing light to pass through without significant distortion.
Furthermore, a crystalline material has a specific melting point and tends to fracture along distinct planes. It may exhibit other unique properties, such as piezoelectricity or the ability to generate electric charges under mechanical stress and temperature changes.
The term "crystalline" can also be used metaphorically to describe anything that is clear, well-defined, or exhibiting precise order and structure. For example, it can apply to ideas, writing styles, or even personalities that are well-delineated, coherent, and easily understood.
1. Clear, transparent. 2. Relating to a crystal or crystals.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Like 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 "crystalline" originates from the Latin word "crystallinus", which is derived from the Greek word "krustallos". "Krustallos" referred to ice or rock crystal. The term gradually evolved over time to refer to anything resembling a crystal, leading to the modern meaning of "crystalline" as something composed of crystal or exhibiting crystal-like properties.
