What does microcrystal mean?
A microcrystal is a very small crystal, usually one that forms part of a larger solid or is examined using microscopic techniques. The term is especially common in mineralogy, metallurgy, materials science, and crystallography, where the size, shape, arrangement, and orientation of tiny crystals can influence a material’s properties. In everyday use, microcrystal is much less common than small crystal or tiny crystal because it belongs primarily to specialist and technical vocabulary. A microcrystal should not necessarily be understood as an individual component of a larger crystal; it may instead refer to any crystal of microscopic or very small dimensions. In research descriptions, it is often discussed in relation to formation, size, structure, morphology, and growth.
nounA microcrystal is a very small crystal, especially one forming part of a larger crystalline material or studied at the microscopic scale.
- A crystal of very small dimensions, especially in mineralogy, materials science, or crystallography.
"The researchers examined the mineral under a microscope and found that each grain contained numerous microcrystals."
"The alloy was strengthened by the formation of fine microcrystals within its structure."
"Each microcrystal displayed a different orientation when viewed under polarized light."
The plural is formed by adding -s to the singular form.
"Fine microcrystals formed during the cooling of the molten material."
A microcrystal is a crystal small enough to reveal the building blocks that larger crystals conceal.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does microcrystal come from?
Microcrystal combines the combining form micro-, derived from Greek mikros, meaning “small,” with crystal, from Greek krystallos, originally referring to ice or clear quartz. The prefix micro- was widely used in English during the early 19th century to form terms associated with very small scale or microscopic observation. The compound microcrystal developed in scientific usage to denote a crystal of exceptionally small size.
Related word forms
How microcrystal is actually used
Microcrystal is mainly used in technical and scientific contexts. It is more specialized than the general terms small crystal or tiny crystal, and it overlaps in meaning with crystallite.