non-crystalline

A geologist holds a piece of non-crystalline obsidian.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Not having a crystalline structure: "non-crystalline" describes a solid material that lacks the regular, repeating atomic arrangement characteristic of crystals. Such materials are often amorphous, meaning their atoms are arranged randomly rather than in an ordered lattice.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Glass is a non-crystalline solid, unlike quartz which has a crystalline structure. (Glass lacks an ordered atomic pattern.)
  • The mineral sample was identified as non-crystalline due to its lack of sharp X-ray diffraction peaks. (The material did not show evidence of crystal formation.)

Advanced Usage

• "non-crystalline state": a physical condition where a substance exists without a crystalline form.

  • When cooled rapidly, the metal alloy solidified in a non-crystalline state, giving it unique properties. (The material became amorphous due to quick cooling.)

• "non-crystalline polymer": a polymer whose molecular chains are arranged randomly, not in ordered regions.

  • This non-crystalline polymer is transparent and flexible, unlike its crystalline counterpart. (The polymer's lack of order makes it see-through and bendable.)

Variants and Related Words

• Non-crystallinity (noun): the quality or state of being non-crystalline.

  • The non-crystallinity of the material was confirmed by electron microscopy. (The lack of crystalline order was verified.)

• Crystalline (adj): having a crystal-like structure (the antonym).

  • Diamond is a crystalline form of carbon. (Diamond has an ordered atomic arrangement.)

Synonyms

• Amorphous: lacking a defined shape or form, especially in a solid.
• Uncrystallized: not formed into crystals.
• Vitreous: resembling glass in being non-crystalline.

Antonyms

• Crystalline: having a regular, repeating atomic structure.
• Crystallized: formed into crystals.

Related Idioms