Definition

1. Noun:
   • A 3-dimensional geometric arrangement of the atoms or molecules or ions composing a crystal: A Bravais lattice is a fundamental concept in crystallography. It is an infinite, periodic array of discrete points in three-dimensional space, where the arrangement of points appears exactly the same from whichever point the array is viewed. It describes the underlying translational symmetry of a crystal structure.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The crystal's symmetry was analyzed by identifying its Bravais lattice.
  • There are exactly 14 possible Bravais lattices in three-dimensional space.
  • The concept of a Bravais lattice simplifies the mathematical description of crystalline materials.

Advanced Usage

• "to belong to a Bravais lattice type": to be classified as one of the 14 specific lattice symmetries.
  • This mineral's atomic structure belongs to the face-centered cubic Bravais lattice type.
• "Bravais lattice vectors": the set of primitive translation vectors that define the lattice's periodicity.
  • The unit cell is defined by three fundamental Bravais lattice vectors.

Variants and Related Words

• Lattice (n): A regular, periodic arrangement of points or objects over an area or in space. A Bravais lattice is a specific type of lattice with translational symmetry.
• Crystal Lattice (n): Often used synonymously with Bravais lattice, though it can sometimes refer more broadly to the spatial arrangement of particles in a crystal.
• Space Lattice (n): Another common synonym for a Bravais lattice.

Synonyms

• Space lattice: An infinite array of points in space where each point has an identical environment.
• Translation lattice: Emphasizes the property of translational symmetry.

Related Phrases

• Primitive lattice: A Bravais lattice where the chosen unit cell contains exactly one lattice point.
• Unit cell: The smallest repeating unit of a Bravais lattice which, when repeated in three dimensions, generates the entire lattice.

Noun

1. a 3-dimensional geometric arrangement of the atoms or molecules or ions composing a crystal