How Do You Spell HEMIHEDRAL?

Pronunciation: [hˌɛmɪhˈiːdɹə͡l] (IPA)

Hemihedral is a technical term used in crystallography to describe a type of crystal that exhibits only half of the faces required by its symmetry. The spelling of this word can be challenging due to its complex phonetic structure. It is pronounced [hem-i-hee-druhl], with the emphasis on the second syllable. The "hemi-" prefix indicates "half," and the "-hedral" suffix refers to "faces." Therefore, hemihedral means having only half of the faces required for symmetry. It is essential to use correct spelling and pronunciation when communicating in scientific contexts to avoid confusion.

HEMIHEDRAL Meaning and Definition

1. Hemihedral is an adjective used in crystallography to describe a particular type of crystal form or face. It refers to a crystal that exhibits only half of the possible facets or faces that it could develop. The term "hemi" means half, and "hedral" refers to the presence of faces or planes.

   In a hemihedral crystal, one half of the crystal is a mirror image of the other. This results in only one half of the possible crystal faces being present, while the other half remains absent. The absence of these faces can create unique and asymmetrical shapes.

   Hemihedrism occurs due to the presence of a specific symmetry element in the crystal lattice, known as an axis of symmetry. This axis bisects the crystal into two halves, which are mirror images of each other.

   Hemihedral crystals can often be identified by their characteristic shapes, which may include triangular, pyramidal, or trapezoidal faces. These distinctive forms arise from the absence of certain facets that would be present in a crystal without hemihedrism.

   Overall, hemihedral crystals are remarkable examples of crystals that form with a reduced number of faces due to asymmetrical growth patterns. Their unique shapes and patterns have fascinated crystallographers and have led to further research and investigation into the underlying factors that induce hemihedrism in crystal growth.

2. In a crystal, having half of the similar parts, instead of all.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for HEMIHEDRAL

• gemihedral
• bemihedral
• nemihedral
• jemihedral
• uemihedral
• yemihedral
• hwmihedral
• hsmihedral
• hdmihedral
• hrmihedral
• h4mihedral
• h3mihedral
• henihedral
• hekihedral
• hejihedral
• hemuhedral
• hemjhedral
• hemkhedral
• hemohedral

Etymology of HEMIHEDRAL

The word hemihedral is derived from two Greek roots: hemi meaning half or part of, and hedra meaning face. In crystallography, hemihedral refers to a type of crystal form that lacks symmetry on one of its faces or half of the crystal. Thus, the term hemihedral literally translates to half-faced.