| 释义 |
crystaln.adj. Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from Latin. Partly a borrowing from French. Etymons: Latin crystallum; French cristal. Etymology: In early use classical Latin crystallum (see below); in later use reinforced by or reborrowed < Anglo-Norman cristall, cristeal, Anglo-Norman and Old French, Middle French cristal, Anglo-Norman and Middle French cristalle, crestal, Middle French cristail rock crystal, any clear and transparent naturally occurring mineral substance, ornament made out of this (11th cent.), highly transparent and heavy glass, cut glass (14th cent.), and its etymon classical Latin crystallum (also crystallus) clear ice, (rock) crystal, in post-classical Latin also piece of crystal for gazing into to foretell the future (1467 in a British source), (in medicine) vesicle containing clear or white fluid (1553 or earlier) < ancient Greek κρύσταλλος clear ice, in Hellenistic Greek also (rock) crystal < the same base as Hellenistic Greek κρυσταίνεσθαι to be congealed, ancient Greek κρύος frost (see cryo- comb. form). Compare Old Occitan crestal, cristal, Catalan cristall (13th cent.), Spanish cristal (13th cent.), Portuguese cristal (13th cent.), Italian cristallo (13th cent.), and also Middle Dutch Cristal (Dutch Kristal), Middle Low German kristal, kristalle, Old High German kristallo (Middle High German kristalle, kristal, German Kristall). In ancient and medieval thought (rock) crystal was surmised to be congealed water or ice ‘petrified’ by some long-continued natural process. There was thus no transfer of sense involved in applying to it the same name as to clear ice, of which it was viewed as merely another state.In Old English both a weak masculine (cristalla ) and a strong masculine (cristal ); also occasionally in the unassimilated form cristallum . It is unclear whether occasional dative forms in -um are to be regarded as plural (and hence antedatings of sense A. 2c) or singular (i.e. the unassimilated Latinate form with invariable inflection); compare quot. OE1 at sense A. 2a, and the following:OE tr. Alexander's Let. to Aristotle (1995) §8. 228 Wæron in þæm wingearde gyldenu leaf & his hon [read hos] & his wæstmas wæron cristallum & smaragdus, eac þæt gimcyn mid þæm cristallum ingemong hongode. The β. forms (attested from the 14th cent. onwards) chiefly show the influence of the usual spelling of the Latin word (although in early use they may simply reflect general variation between i and y in late Middle English orthography). The origin of the ch- spellings (see γ. forms and some δ. forms) is uncertain; they may perhaps partly result from association with chrysolite n. and related words. In δ. forms apparently by association with words in -ial suffix. In sense A. 5a so called because of the resemblance in colour, transparency, and regularity of shape between native specimens of (rock) crystal and the forms assumed by salts, etc., in the process of crystallization from a solution, aided by the ancient notion that rock crystal was itself a substance like ice produced by some process from water. The French word shows similar developments from the late 17th cent. onwards in scientific and technical use. With sense A. 9 compare Spanish cristal fine shining woollen stuff. A. n.the world > the earth > water > ice > [noun] OE (1932) cxlvii. 6 He his cristallum [L. crystallum] cynnum sendeð swylc swa hlafgebrece of heofonwolcnum. a1382 (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Ecclus. xliii. 22 The cristal [L. crystallus] freesede fro the watyr. ?a1425 (Egerton) (1889) 79 Þe water congelez in to cristall. a1500 (c1340) R. Rolle (Univ. Oxf. 64) (1884) cxlvii. §6. 486 He sendis his kristall as morcels... Þe worde of god cumand, snaw, cristall, & cloude ere meltyd. 1535 Ecclus. xliii. 20 Whan the colde northwynde bloweth, harde Christall commeth of the water. 1610 II. Ecclus. xliii. 22 The cold north winde blewe, and of water there frose chrystal. 2. society > occupation and work > materials > raw material > gem or precious stone > rock crystal > [noun] the world > the earth > minerals > types of mineral > silicates > tectosilicate > [noun] > quartz the world > the earth > minerals > types of mineral > silicates > tectosilicate > [noun] > quartz > crystalline quartzes > rock crystal OE Ælfric (Julius) (1881) I. 132 Chromatius hæfde behydd on his digolnysse an wurðlic weorc on mechanisc geweorc, of glæse and of golde and of glitiniendum cristallan [OE Corpus Cambr. cristeallum]. OE (Claud.) xi. 7 Swa hi heton þone heofonlican mete þe hi God mid fedde; þæt wæs swilce coryandran sæd, hwites bleos swa cristalla [L. coloris bdellii]. lOE Homily: De Sancto Iohanne (Vesp. D.xiv) in R. D.-N. Warner (1917) 147 Hwat! his eagene twa æðele synden swa clæne swa cristal & swa scire swa suneleome. c1300 St. Brendan (Laud) l. 318 in C. Horstmann (1887) 228 (MED) Him þouȝte þat hit was al, weued and chaliz and Cruettes, þoruȝ-out cler cristal [c1300 Harl. Crestal]. c1330 (?c1300) Reinbrun (Auch.) in J. Zupitza (1891) 657 (MED) Þe walles were of cristal. a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus (BL Add. 27944) (1975) II. xvi. xxx. 841 Cristalle is a bright stoon and clere wiþ watry colour. Me troweþ þat snowe or ise is ymade harde in space of many ȝeres; þerfor þe Grekes ȝaf a name þerto. c1450 in W. R. Dawson (1934) 196 For Womans mylke that faylith, take crystall and pound it and giff hire to drynk with the mylke of an oþer woman. c1480 (a1400) St. Lawrence l. 605 in W. M. Metcalfe (1896) I. 419 Þar was a chelise in his days of cristole fyne. 1567 J. Maplet f. 5v The Cristall is one of those stones that shyneth in euerie part, and is in colour watrie. 1611 Rev. iv. 6 A sea of glasse like vnto Chrystall . View more context for this quotation 1647 A. Cowley Coldness in iii Though Heat dissolve the Ice again, The Chrystal solid does remain. 1750 tr. C. Leonardus 84 Crystal, is a Stone like Ice, both in Colour and Transparency, with a pretty good Hardness. 1861 C. W. King (1866) 93 Crystal is found in very large masses; the largest known to the Romans weighed 50 pounds. 1869 C. Boutell tr. J. P. Lacombe vi. 85 Of iron, or of bone, stone, crystal, or some other hard substance. 1941 21 374 A pavilion of gold-banded crystal, surrounded by columns of white marble. 1978 G. Vidal iii. 54 You could see the Himalayas, sparkling like masses of quartz and crystal. 2008 Feb. 6/1 His [sc. Walter Ralegh's] accounts of sights and wonders deeper inland—mountains of crystal, etc—were either lifted from other travellers' tales or simply invented. society > faith > artefacts > portable shrines or relics > portable shrine > [noun] c1330 (Auch.) (1882) l. 114 (MED) Þan brouȝt þai forþ..a parti of þe holy crosse þat in a cristal was don in clos. a1450 (Faust.) (1883) l. 1400 (MED) A litulle particulle [of one of the nails of the cross] sone after he hem dyȝt, & closede hit wt-in a cresce cristelle. the world > the supernatural > the occult > sorcery, witchcraft, or magic > [noun] > magical object > stone society > occupation and work > materials > raw material > gem or precious stone > rock crystal > [noun] > piece of the world > the earth > minerals > types of mineral > silicates > tectosilicate > [noun] > quartz > crystalline quartzes > rock crystal > piece of a1393 J. Gower (Fairf.) vii. l. 831 (MED) A Cristall is that on, Which that corone is set upon. ?a1425 (Egerton) (1889) 80 (MED) For oft tymes þai sell to þaim þat hase na grete knawyng of stanes, in steed dyamaundez, cristalles pale and oþer maner of stanes. a1464 J. Capgrave (Cambr.) 23 (MED) These stones be there in habundauns—smaragdis, cristalis, and cianeus. 1572 (a1500) (1882) 474 Blandit with Beriallis and Cristallis cleir. 1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny II. 605 In these crystals as well as in Cassidoins. 1669 (Royal Soc.) 4 983 At the foot of these mountains are with great labour digg'd out Chrystals. 1772 J. Rutty II. 91 The Crystal accidentally tinged with green, is sold under the name of the occidental Emerald. 1794 R. J. Sullivan III. lvii. 221 Regard the plaything which hangs about the infant's waist: it is composed of a crystal cut from the rocks of Madagascar. 1835 C. M. Sedgewick 283 A grotto, embellished with shells and corals, and sparkling with crystals. 1851 Apr. 200 Her [sc. Nature's] crystals and her rocks, her vegetables and her animals. 1882 R. L. Stevenson I. 166 The gardener..hastily drew together the..jewels... The touch of these costly crystals sent a shiver..through the man's..frame. 1908 Feb. 194/2 In the centre there is a large boss with a crystal set in the middle. 1989 (Nexis) 40 1 A clip plated in 22-karat gold and decorated with crystals or semiprecious stones can cost as much as $90. 2007 V. Miner iii. 15 The lavender lady wearing crystals around her neck found water within half an hour. the mind > mental capacity > expectation > foresight, foreknowledge > prediction, foretelling > crystal-gazing > [noun] > object used in a1400 (c1303) R. Mannyng (Harl.) l. 353 Ȝyf you yn swerd, oþer yn bacyn, Any chylde madyst loke þeryn..or yn cristal,—Wycchecraft men clepyn hyt al. c1465 in H. Sandison (1913) 116 (MED) The clere cristall be-gan to clare, The lightenesse began to glide: ‘In thy most welth wisely beware!’ 1772 W. Jones 20 She..in th' enchanted crystal sees A bow'r o'er canopied with tufted trees. 1787 F. Grose Superstitions 35 in The seer looks into a chrystal or berryl, wherein he will see the answer, represented either by types or figures. 1792 Apr. 389/1 By the great goodness which thou dost always use; that thou shew me in this crystal (i. e. looking-glass) whatsoever I ask, or desire to know. 1816 W. Scott II. viii. 226 You have used neither..chrystal, pentacle, magic mirror, or geomantic figure. 1873 Apr. 214 She asked if she might look into the crystal,..that she did look into it, and saw her mother who had been dead fifty years. 1908 W. Woodrow xv. 277 She gazed into the crystal again... I see you in an immense studio, painting... You will in the future devote your life to art. 1988 T. E. Mails ii. vii. 118 When a theft had occurred, he would see in the crystal the stolen object as well as the thief. 2001 D. Porter xix. 664 ‘The crystal never lies,’ Dareous shouted... ‘Don't blame me if you don't like what the future holds.’ the mind > mental capacity > expectation > foresight, foreknowledge > prediction, foretelling > crystal-gazing > [noun] > prophecy derived from 1902 6 Nov. 2/3 The Cleveland by-election will always be memorable if only for the fact that the crystal has had a new form given to it. 1931 H. G. Wells (1932) xii. 596 Favours, buttons, crystal and claptrap: these are the forces that bring the politicians of the great powers of the world to office. 3. poetic. a1450 in R. H. Robbins (1952) 42 (MED) His eynyn arn of cristal, lokyn al in aumbyr. 1523 J. Skelton sig. C.ijv In the middis a coundight that coryously was cast with pypes of golde engusshing out stremes Of cristall the clerenes theis waters far past Enswymmyng wt rochis, barbellis, and bremis Englisterd. a1586 Sir P. Sidney (1593) i. f. 4v In the middest of all the place, was afaire ponde, whose shaking christall was a perfect mirrour to all the other beauties. 1590 R. Greene i. sig. G The diamond gleames not more reflecting lights Painted with fiery pyramides to shine, Than are those flames that burnish in our sights, Darting fire out the christall of her eine. 1600 E. Fairfax tr. T. Tasso xv. lviii. 278 In the cristall of the laughing flood, They sawe two naked virgins bathe and diue. 1648 R. Herrick 214 Reach, with your whiter hands, to me, Some Christall of the Spring; And I, about the Cup shall see Fresh Lillies flourishing. 1719 G. Sewell ii. iii. 24 Grief has..suck'd the Roses of thy Cheeks, And drank the liquid Chrystal of thy Eyes! 1772 W. Jones 51 Birds that..from the brink the liquid crystal sip. 1828 1 378 Her eyebrows were like the leaves of the vernal willow, and her eyes like the purest crystal of the fountain. 1885 Mrs. H. Ward tr. H.-F. Amiel 255 The glacier throws off the stones and fragments fallen into its crevasses that it may remain pure crystal. 1920 L. M. Montgomery x. 180 The eastern sky was a great arc of crystal, smitten through with auroral crimsonings. 1967 16 Aug. 9/5 From the dining room you get the first glimpse of it [sc. a fountain]—an arc of liquid crystal lighting up the far end of the lawn. 2005 D. Wexler i. 10 A thin stream of pure, cold crystal descended. It was better than anything she'd ever tasted. the world > life > the body > external parts of body > head > face > eye > [noun] 1592 G. Harvey (new ed.) 67 The dainty Hand of exquisitest Art, And nimble Head of pregnantest receit, Neuer more finely plaid their curious part, Then in those liuely Christals of conceit. 1593 W. Shakespeare sig. G Her eye seene in the teares, teares in her eye, Both christals, where they viewd ech others sorrow. View more context for this quotation 1600 W. Shakespeare ii. iii. 50 Cleare vp thy cristalles. a1640 J. Fletcher & P. Massinger Custome of Countrey i. ii, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher (1647) sig. Aa2v/2 Bid the coy wench..out-blush damask roses, And dim the breaking East with her bright Christalls. 4. = crystal glass n. at Compounds 2. society > occupation and work > materials > derived or manufactured material > glass and glass-like materials > [noun] > glass > crystal-glass 1577 T. Kendall f. 25 (heading) Cups of Christall. When thou dost feare to breake these cups, then doest thou breake them still: Bold hands are ill to hold these cups, and fearefull hands are ill. 1578 J. Lyly f. 39 There is great difference betweene ye standing puddle, and the running streame, yet both water,..a great-distinction to be put betweene Vitrem and the Christall, yet both glasse. 1603 in W. Fraser (1859) II. 246 Two drinkin glaseis, on of christell. 1668 Lady Chaworth Let. in Hist. MSS Comm.: 12th Rep. App. Pt. V: MSS Duke of Rutland (1889) II. 10 in (C. 5889-II) XLIV. 393 The King..hath lately made a closet which they call a cabinet of cristall and philigrin. 1735 Crystal is also a name given to a factitious body cast in the glass-houses, also call'd crystal-glass..Of this fritt, you may make common glass, and also Crystal. 1831 D. Brewster viii. 75 Let us take another [prism] of flint glass or white crystal. 1872 J. Ruskin §139 A Venetian glass-blower swept you a curve of crystal from the end of his pipe. 1926 Nov. 16/1 It is an amusing and novel experience to sit with one's knees under mahogany and sip French wine from a glass of Mauzé crystal. 1940 E. H. Bergstrom ii. 12 In an encrusted overlay weight, the color overlays and faceting were apparently followed by a final dip into clear crystal to complete the weight. 2002 F. Close et al. viii. 130 A layer of 11,488 blocks of high-quality lead glass, like the crystal of cut-glass tableware. the world > food and drink > drink > containers for drink > [noun] > crystal vessels society > occupation and work > equipment > receptacle or container > vessel > [noun] > glass or crystal vessel the world > time > instruments for measuring time > watch > [noun] > parts of 1630 P. Massinger i. i. sig. B Our wares (Though brittle as a maydenhead at sixteene) Are safe vnladen; not a Christall crackt, Or China dish needs sodring. 1651 W. Davenant vi. xiii And thence..In a small Christall he a Cordiall drew. 1678 No. 1292/4 A Picture of a Lady in Little, in a black Shagrine Case..with a Christal over the Picture. 1722 J. Hempstead 17 Sept. (1901) 124 I Rec[eive]d..a glass or Christiall for the Watch. 1787 55 An immense quantity of linen, china, plate, crystals, valuable medicines. 1831 5 Nov. 270/1 Holding out crystals filled with jellies and custards, he stands out. 1855 W. M. Thackeray II. xxxii. 294 Eying the plate and crystal. 1870 ‘M. Twain’ in Dec. 884/1 The crystal had got bent, and..the mainspring was not straight. 1913 F. A. Mathews xxviii. 298 The three tall crystals clinked musically in the little silence that followed this toast. 1985 C. Rush 235 The crystal and crockery which they had been saving bit by bit since they left the school. 2009 25 May 35/2 In the First World War the rugged trench watch, with its metal grid over the crystal, was cherished by soldiers. 5. the world > matter > chemistry > crystallography (general) > crystal (general) > [noun] 1605 T. Tymme tr. J. Du Chesne ii. v. sig. R v Out of all common lees, and by a more easie method, the like christalls are extracted. 1681 N. Grew iii. i. v. 307 A Spar with Crystals Triangularly pointed. 1704 J. Harris I Chrystallization..by which the Salts dissolved in any Liquor are made to shoot into little prettily figured Lumps or Fragments which they call Chrystals, from their being pellucid or clear like Chrystal. 1819 13 p. li The sublimed crystals possess characters somewhat different from those of malic acid before it has been exposed to heat. 1860 J. Tyndall 3 Mica is a crystal which cleaves very readily in one direction. 1876 D. Page (ed. 6) vii. 126 Granite is composed of crystals of felspar, quartz, and mica. 1924 J. B. Cohen (ed. 3) 342 Mix the two solutions and concentrate on the water-bath till crystals begin to appear. 1978 H. M. Rosenberg (ed. 2) i. 1 Nearly all the materials which we use today are crystals. 2009 T. Pynchon xi. 169 A quantity of fluffy white cocaine crystals all chopped up into snortable format and arranged in lines. 1605 T. Tymme tr. J. Du Chesne ii. v. sig. R v By which proofe thou shalt certainly know, that the residence is very well depured, which in another place wee will call the Chrystal of tartar. 1675 R. Boyle ii. 14 You may by coagulation obtain Crystals of Luna. 1706 (new ed.) Crystals of Silver..Silver reduc'd into the Form of a Salt by the sharp Points of Spirit of Nitre. 1727 N. Bailey II Crystals of Copper,..is a Solution of Copper in Spirit of Nitre, evaporated and crystalliz[e]d to gain the Salt. 1830 T. H. Bayly in 29 33 I'll seek a druggist—happy plan! And I will ask him..For Epsom crystals. 1915 C. W. Hale I. xi. 188 Drop a few crystals of potassium permanganate (or Condy's crystals will serve equally well) into the liquid in the jar. 1946 July 75 The oscillator is really a large sandwich made of steel and layers of quartz or Rochelle crystals. the world > food and drink > food > additive > sweetener > [noun] > sugar > crystal sugar 1875 R. Hunt & F. W. Rudler (ed. 7) III. 943 There are three classes of sugar-refineries in this country, the chief productions of which are, respectively:—1st Loaf-sugar. 2nd Crystals (i.e. large, well-formed, dry white crystals of sugar). 3rd Crushed sugar. 1886 15 Sept. 2/4 Sugar..Russian crystals continue active. 1900 S. P. Sadtler (ed. 3) iv. 153 To the former class [i.e. hard sugars] belong sugar ‘crystals’, or sugar in well-formed individual transparent crystals, which are as pure as rock-candy. 1939 7 Sept. 13/6 Home refined sugars were quoted at previous prices... London granulated and No. 2 granulated;..finest castor;..No. 3 crystals. 2008 (Nexis) 4 Dec. e1 Sanding sugars and coarse sugar crystals: These specialty sugars are larger than granulated sugar and come in a variety of colors. the world > matter > physics > solid state physics > semiconductivity > [noun] > crystalline piece 1906 1/1 This material..is generally in the form of a concrete mass or body of crystals..which are composed of carbon and silicon... This wave-responsive material may be..connected in the circuit of the signal-receiving apparatus.] 1907 25 31 [Referring to the patent cited in quot. 1906] The crystal with its electrodes is put into a receiving circuit of a wireless telegraph system. 1928 26 Jan. 13/4 He thinks the saving that would be effected by using a crystal in place of a valve would be worth while. 1942 Mar. 201/2 A crystal in the grid circuit of the pentode stabilizes the signal. 1962 D. Smith in D. Williams ii. 32 The signal to noise ratio also varies from crystal to crystal. 2001 R. W. Cahn vii. 256 A fine metallic wire (the cat's whisker) was pressed against a crystal to achieve rectification of radio-frequency signals. 1921 Aug. 282/2 After resonance is set up, the electrical circuit can be put appreciably out of tune, but the crystal will hold and maintain the vibrations at a fixed frequency. 1930 Mar. 49/2 Connected electrically with one of the crystals is a vacuum tube circuit which serves to keep the crystal in vibration. 1973 T. Pynchon i. 151 St. Blaise checked over the equipment..and found nothing wrong: all the crystals on frequency, the power supplies rippleless. 2000 P. Scherz ix. 282 The simple op amp circuit shown here..uses the series resonance of the crystal instead of the parallel resonance of an LC circuit to provide positive feedback. the world > physical sensation > use of drugs and poison > an intoxicating drug > [noun] > stimulant drug(s) > specific stimulant drugs 1964 17 Feb. 3/1 She believes crystals are a form of methedrine. 1970 20 Dec. 6/6 ‘Have you ever shot speed?’ ‘Is that crystal? With a needle? I used it, and never came down.’ 1979 N. Mailer (1980) i. xxi. 339 He had been over at a friend of his selling drugs, a little crystal, some speed, toked a couple, got blasted. 1996 P. H. Duesberg viii. 281 But even ice cannot begin to compare with the devastating effects of ‘crystal’, the street name for methamphetamine. 2009 (Nexis) 14 Sept. 1 Methamphetamine, a psycho-stimulant drug also known as ice or crystal, which induces intense ecstasy or excitement when used. the world > life > the body > sense organ > sight organ > parts of sight organ > [noun] > other parts 1657 N. Culpeper & W. Rand tr. J. Riolan iv. iii. 138 The Christal is like a Vetch, transparent, and being placed upon letters in a Book, it makes them shew larger, as a spectacle is wont to do. 1694 ii. 135 The Crystal of the Eye is not much bigger than a Pea. 1701 N. Grew i. v. 24 The Chrystal of the Eye, which in a Fish, is a Ball; in any Land-Animal, is a Disk or Bowle. 1773 Caledonian Mercury 30 Jan. in (1968) VII. at Pearl n.1 Cataracts, cured by extracting the chrystal, commonly called pearl, out of his right eye. 1795 Ld. Nelson Let. 19 July in (1845) II. 57 A total deprivation of sight for every common occasion in life is the consequence of the loss of part of the crystal of my right eye. 1800 (new ed.) at Shooting The crystal of the eye of the former [sc. old birds] is also more yellow. 1922 A. Le Roy iv. 105 The Fans..think that..there is also a luminous principle that shines in the crystal of the eye and goes to join the light of the sun. 1963 W. E. Flood 100/2 Simple proteins which are only sparingly soluble in water but soluble in neutral salt solutions, e.g. globulin (in the crystal of the eye). 1998 G. Gillen et al. 539/2 (Gloss.) Lens, the anatomic crystal of the eye. the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > suppuration > [noun] > a suppuration > abscess > boil > pustule 1661 R. Lovell 327 Hereto belong the crystals, tubercles, rubeols, and rossals. 1717 J. Cooke (ed. 6) vi. ix. 214 A kind of Pustle..filled with a shining wheyish Humor... These they call Crystals, but Country people call them Swine-Pox, Hen-Pox, &c. 1761 Oct. 310 The species of Pox he has principally attended to, has been the Crystalls, (not the crystalline Small Pox). 1820 1 314 Varicella bullosa or vesicular chicken-pox, the synonymes of which are crystals, water-pox, pemphigus variolodes vesicularis, mild vesicular small-pox. society > communication > indication > insignia > heraldic devices collective > heraldic tincture > [noun] > metal > silver or white 1830 T. Robson III. Gloss. Crystal, used by some heralds instead of pearl, to express argent. 1868 V. 708/2 The tinctures of the arms of peers have sometimes been designated by the names of precious stones: argent is pearl or crystal. the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile fabric or an article of textile fabric > textile fabric > textile fabric made from specific material > made from wool > [noun] > thin or fine 1860 S. W. Beck Crystal, a very fine wide Durant once an article of export for use in making nuns' veils. It was invariably made white. 1936 Dict. Textile Terms in 30 Oct. 466/1 Crystal, a very fine highly-finished white woollen, formerly made in England for the export trade. Used for nun's clothing. B. adj. 1. the world > matter > chemistry > crystallography (general) > crystal (general) > [adjective] > consisting or made of society > occupation and work > materials > raw material > gem or precious stone > rock crystal > [adjective] the world > the earth > minerals > types of mineral > silicates > tectosilicate > [adjective] > quartz > rock crystal c1400 (?c1380) l. 159 A crystal clyffe ful relusaunt. c1460 J. Lydgate in (1911) i. 77 (MED) Wives..Synge Osanna in the heuenly cristal toures. ?c1475 (BL Add. 15562) f. 30v Cristall, cristallus. ?1553 (c1501) G. Douglas Palice of Honour (London) iii. l. 1796 in (1967) 112 Cheritie..Is maister houshald in ȝone cristall tour. 1569 E. Spenser tr. J. du Bellay Sonets in T. Roest tr. J. van der Noot sig. C.iiv The chapters Alabaster, Christall frises. 1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny II. xxxvii. ii. 604 In Portugall..there bee found great crystal quarters [Fr. de quartiers de crystal] or masses of a woonderful weight. 1698 43 His Grandson hid Them in a Crystal Pyramid, Set in a Silver Foot,..Engrav'd with Verse. 1773 J. Coxe 23 An elegant Pedestal, compos'd of cristal Pillars, Rockwork, Corals, reflecting Mirrours, [etc.]. 1826 P. Pounden 66 A crystal coffin in a small repository..being uncased to our view. 1888 Apr. 861/2 Among the interesting features at the meeting..was the exhibition..of a crystal skull which had been brought from Mexico. 1920 (Amer. Art. Assoc.) No. 113 (title) Necklace of Egyptian pottery beads, rhyolite and crystal amulets. 1987 C. Bowman x. 159 A crystal necklace, made entirely of quartz pieces strung together. society > occupation and work > materials > derived or manufactured material > glass and glass-like materials > [adjective] > crystal glass 1580 Edinb. Test. VIII. f. 85v, in at Cristall Thrie dosane of cristell spectacles. a1631 J. Donne (1650) 23 Hither with Crystall vials, lovers come, And take my teares. 1659 R. Boyle xi. 61 Your Mistrisse's Picture, and its Crystall Cover. ?1700 E. W. tr. A. de Castillo Solórzano iii. 135 A Chrystal Branch fill'd with Wax Candles. 1775 196 See two drops of rain Start from the summit of the crystal pane. 1822 60 312 Pouring hot water into a crystal decanter, which had a crack at the mouth,..I observed it dart downwards to nearly five inches from the top. 1858 J. W. Carlyle II. 371 Four bright crystal tumblers. 1860 R. W. Emerson Behaviour in (London ed.) 156 Geneva watches with crystal faces. 1929 29 469/2 Pale green candles in crystal holders. 1949 C. Beaton Diary Nov. in (1979) xvii. 225 The ball at Toyaumont was a noble sight with fine French furniture, crystal chandeliers..—and the ladies dressed to kill. 2000 J. J. Connolly (2004) 42 Flowers are everywhere,..sitting in crystal vases that I know cost two or three hundred quid a pop. the world > matter > light > transparency or translucence > [adjective] the world > matter > liquid > water > [adjective] > properties or characteristics of water > pure or clear c1425 J. Lydgate (Augustus A.iv) ii. l. 2456 Be-syde a riuer and a cristal welle. c1450 (?c1408) J. Lydgate (1901) l. 3842 (MED) The excellent beaute..dooth appere Among the cristal stremys clere. 1509 S. Hawes iv. xviii Her crystall eyes full of lowlenes. 1568 W. Stewart in W. T. Ritchie (1928) III. 86 Ane lady..With cristall corpis translucent as a glas. a1608 F. Thynne Disc. Ld. Burghleyghe his Creste 5 in (1875) App. iv. 103 With cristalle starres twinklinge in azurd skye. 1642 J. Denham 16 To dye By such a wound he fals,..the Chrystall flood,..purples with his blood. a1652 R. Brome (1657) iv. iii How black and fowl your Sin Is rendred by my Chrystal innocence. 1727 J. Thomson 72 The well-known Pool, whose chrystal Depth A sandy Bottom shows. 1784 in G. Caw 45 A rock hangs nodding o'er its chrystal stream. 1820 J. Keats Isabella in 72 Clearly she saw..Pale limbs at bottom of a crystal well. 1853 E. K. Kane (1856) xxx. 260 The crystal transparency of an icicle. 1871 F. T. Palgrave 28 The lark scattering in the crystal morn His unremittent gush of silver rain. 1903 May 18/2 His vivid stories and the poetry that shone from him, whether in crystal prose or flower-like verse. 1943 E. Lengyel iii. 126 They could have seen the crystal waters of the lake reflect the towering peaks that thrust skyward all around. 2006 (U.K. ed.) Aug. 188/3 Make blonde or fair hair gleam with..a leave-in treatment that amps up your highlights with iridescent, crystal shine. the world > the universe > celestial sphere > zone of celestial sphere > sphere of ancient astronomy > [adjective] c1450 (?a1422) J. Lydgate (Durh.) (1961) ii. l. 757 He that made, the cristall hevyn The firmament and also euery spere..Cithera so lustly, for to apere. ?c1500 (Digby) l. 57 A-boue all kynges..vnder the Clowdys Cristall. 1594 sig. A2 Darkesome night oreshades the christall heauens. 1693 T. Yalden in J. Dryden 372 Archimedes, in his Crystal Sphere, Seem'd to correct the World's Artificer. 1717 A. Pope tr. Homer III. xi. 445 Shouts, as he past, the crystal Regions rend. 1744 I. Watts (ed. 5) 30 Shine to his Praise, ye Crystal Skies, The Floor of his Abode. 1834 14 New Ser. 370 In the 16th century..the crystal heavens of Aristotle had melted away under the calorific power of the sun. 1848 Aug. 135/2 Paradise [in the Divine Comedy] consists of three chief regions, the Star-Heaven, the Crystal Heaven, and the Empyrean. 1910 S. G. Smith vi. 69 God was recognized in the days of the patriarchs as being in some crystal heaven above. 2002 J. R. Gribbin 6 The second adjustment..was that the large crystal spheres..didn't actually revolve around the Earth, but around a set of points slightly offset from the Earth. Phrasesc1330 (Auch.) (1966) l. 358 (MED) Al þe vtmast wal Was clere and schine as cristal.] a1400 (a1325) (Fairf. 14) l. 376 Water clere als cristale. c1480 (a1400) St. Ninian l. 541 in W. M. Metcalfe (1896) II. 319 Þar sprang a wel fair & fyne of watere, clere as cristel. ?1504 S. Hawes sig. ee.v I saw a castell a pales royall Bylded with marble blacke as the gette With glasse wyndowes as clere as crystall. 1568 T. Hacket tr. A. Thevet xxxii. f. 48v The..liquor or iuice is as cleare as cristal. 1647 A. Cowley My Heart Discov. in 20 Clear as fair Cristal to the view. 1673 191 Take of the purest Sugar you can get two pound, and clarifie it with the whites of Eggs exceeding well, that it may be as clear as Crystal. 1703 8 Is not this (as we say) as plain as Pottage , as clear as Crystal, to speak in your Dialect? 1741 J. Campbell ii. ii. 88 There are Plains of Salt quite firm and clear as Crystal. 1817 Apr. 23/2 Wi' the pirl being away, the pool was as clear as crystal. 1884 18 Aug. 10/3 The atmosphere was clear as crystal. 1925 Apr. 2/1 (advt.) That handy little cake of Bon Ami..polishes up nickel, makes windows and mirrors clear as crystal. 1989 O. Senior 131 It was as clear as crystal she was doing everything in her power to seduce the child away from me. 2007 M. D. Gerson (2008) 235 When she spoke, it was in this new voice—clear as crystal, light as gossamer. Compounds C1. a. Objective and instrumental. the mind > emotion > suffering > sorrow or grief > lamentation or expression of grief > weeping > [adjective] the world > matter > light > artificial light > an artificial light > candle > support or holder for a candle > [adjective] the world > matter > liquid > liquid flow > action or process of dripping or falling in drops > [adjective] > having liquid falling off in drops a1650 T. May (1658) ii. 15 From her crystal-dropping eyes did pay A Lovers obsequy. 1870 14 July 4/4 The drawing-room was evidently intended for best customers, and had the usual chimney-piece decked with wax flowers and crystal-dropping candlesticks. 1933 W. Welles 43 The oarsman..Holds out of water, while the sunset fades Towards night, his ruddy, crystal-dropping blades. the world > the earth > water > flow or flowing > [adjective] 1605 J. Sylvester tr. Ode on Astræa in tr. G. de S. Du Bartas 609 In the Christall-flowing springs Neuer bath'd so beauteous things. 1782 T. Stratford 67 The frisking heifers seek The chrystal-flowing stream. 1881 J. H. Curry vi. 69 A magnificent grove, or park, filled with choicest statuary and crystal-flowing fountains. 1996 (Nexis) 3 Mar. b6 This glorious stretch of the sky-reflecting, crystal-flowing Wacissa River. 1857 4 July 11/2 The crystal-producing operations were the subject of nearly unmixed admiration, and for some months Mr. Crosse stood on the pinnacle of fame as a great and original discoverer in science. 1987 (Nexis) 14 May 4 They also devised a colour scheme for the whole of the crystal-producing town of Baccarat in France where individual householders could choose from a palette of colours so that all the facades would harmonise. 1616 B. Jonson Cynthias Revels (rev. ed.) v. vi, in I. 255 Lay thy bow of pearle apart, And thy cristall-shining quiuer. 1852 Oct. 287/2 On fields of flowers, and crystal-shining streams. 1922 F. J. Olcott 13 He [sc. Columbus] watched anxiously for the crystal-shining domes of Kublai Khan's palace to rise among the trees. 2006 A. Blundy Prol. 3 I stirred a spoonful of crystal-shining orange KoolAid into a glass of tap water. 1610 S. Daniel Tethys Festival in sig. E4v The beauteous Nymph of Chrystall-streaming Lee Giues next attendance. 1773 S. Whyte 253 It chanced me, beside the verdant shore, Of crystal-streaming Thamesis to stand. 1909 F. S. Thacker xvii. 446 There return to me visions of some secret bend of crystal streaming water, green floored with undulating weed. b. Parasynthetic and similative. 1840 R. M. Milnes 19 But crystal-leaved and fruited trees Scarce lose a jewel in the breeze. 1965 12 61 During the American regime many ornamentals were introduced to the Phiilippines... Common name..Anthurium, Crystal-leaved [etc.]. 2001 D. A. Madulid I. 201/1 Crystal-leaved anthurium. 1818 J. Keats iii. 123 How crystal-smooth it felt. 1998 (Nexis) 11 Jan. a5 Jansen fell, sliding across the crystal-smooth Olympic Oval ice, his hands held up in astonishment. 1820 P. B. Shelley i. i. 17 Whether the Sun Split my parched skin, or in the moony night The crystal-winged snow cling round my hair. 1908 T. Edwardes (ed. 2) x. 148 Of the worker herself we get only a vague idea of a dim-hued, crystal-winged atom running a perpetual race with the wind and sunshine. 2003 (Nexis) 4 June 1 Jessica brought a crystal-winged angel, a gift from her Texas-based aunt. C2. 1856 (Royal Soc.) 146 167 When the crystal axis was equatorial, i.e. when the chief magnecrystallic axis coincided with the magnetic axis of the field, then the crystal was repelled [etc.]. 1902 H. A. Miers i. 62 The crystals of this class..possess three digonal axes coinciding with the crystal axes. 1969 B. E. Warren v. 67 Powder patterns are very often used for a precision measurement of the crystal axes. 2005 R. E. Newnham xxxii. 361 Square etch figures oriented at 45° angles to the crystal axes are observed on {100} faces. the mind > mental capacity > expectation > foresight, foreknowledge > prediction, foretelling > crystal-gazing > [noun] > object used in a1513 W. Dunbar (1998) I. 85 Bricht ball cristall, ros virginall, Fulfillit of angell fude. 1628 6 Doctor Lambe..left his christall ball vpon a table; a gentleman called Mr. Anthony Birch tooke vp the same, and the shape of a hand appeared in it. 1725 E. Howard 105 Clarissa and Olympia, were tossing a Crystall-Ball from one to the other. 1834 W. J. Thoms xlv. 258 She began, amidst extraordinary contortions, to murmur something to herself; and..took up..the Crystal Ball, called the maiden and her companion to her..and bade them look into it. 1893 T. B. Harbottle tr. Baron J. de Baye 79 The oldest mention of crystal balls coming from Anglo-Saxon graves is in Douglas, who attempts to prove that they were used for occult purposes. 1968 G. Butler i. 7 In the crystal ball the old woman could see it. 2001 Mar. 66/3 The crystal ball indicates that's where we'll be going. the world > matter > chemistry > chemistry as a science > branches of chemistry > [noun] 1921 (ed. 3) 739/2 Wilber, D(avid) T(ruxton)... Crystal chemistry; luminescence. 1970 55 1489 The crystal chemistry of manganostibite proved so unusual that no unambiguous formula unit could be assigned. 2001 R. W. Cahn iii. 71 Crystallography is a very broad science, stretching from crystal-structure determination to crystal physics.., crystal chemistry and the geometrical study of phase transitions in the solid state. the world > matter > light > transparency or translucence > [adjective] a1439 J. Lydgate (Bodl. 263) i. l. 6402 God sente hym to staunche with his thrust From thassis toth watir cristal cleer. c1528 (1961) 27 Now the soule is taken thy body fro, Thy rekenynge is crystall-clere. 1612 J. Davies sig. B5 O vaile that Christall-cleere all-seeing eye. c1660 R. Carpenter ii. iv. 16/2 The falshood of some these times, hath been Chrystal-clear in the view of Reason. 1733 G. Turner tr. J. P. Seip iii. 46 The alcali in our steel water is such a subtile earth, and of the delicate finest sort, which is disolved in crystal clear water. 1748 D. W. Linden iv. 119 The Water remains Crystal-clear. 1841 J. R. Lowell 112 Hers is a spirit deep and crystal-clear. 1845 R. Browning 15 Glasses they'll blow you, crystal-clear. 1887 23 July 128/1 And to Koelerius spake he, In accents crystal clear, ‘Stenibsius hath written That the King should move to here.’ 1962 29 Mar. 540/1 The Administration was never crystal-clear on exactly how we would massively retaliate with nuclear weapons. 2005 13 July 25 Yes I am getting a crystal clear picture on this new video phone. the world > time > instruments for measuring time > clock > [noun] > other types of clock 1854 Apr. 396/2 She..cast an impatient glance on the crystal clock that told how time was running away with the fair widow's precious moments. 1937 Jan. 18/2 A crystal clock..will increase the accuracy of the gravity observations. 1981 J. Monaco (rev. ed.) ii. 100 The increasingly common crystal sync generator, which produces a precisely timed pulse by using crystal clocks. 2008 (Nexis) 26 Feb. 16 He pops a bottle of champagne and sips to the tinkling chimes of a crystal clock. 1925 1/2 The circuit arrangement of a single tube crystal controlled oscillator for producing waves of a plurality of frequencies. 1970 (Amer. Radio Relay League) (ed. 5) 6 The commercial point-to-point sideband stations used crystal-controlled transmitters and receivers always held as close to one frequency as possible. 2001 P. Brookes (ed. 2) iii. 53 The crystal controlled oscillator has the ability to produce a signal on one particular frequency, with an accuracy of a few parts per million. the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > types of ornamentation > jewellery > making jewellery or setting with jewels > [noun] > jeweller > who cuts or engraves stones a1703 R. Hooke (1705) 24 The History of..Crystal-cutters,..Jewellers, or stone-setters. 1865 M. Mayer tr. A. Geiger xii. 294 The poor crystal-cutter of Amsterdam has not passed through the world without leaving the traces of his fertilizing creations behind him. 1952 10 195/1 He [sc. Valerio Belli] came to Rome to work for Pope Clement VII as crystal-cutter and medalist. 2007 (Nexis) 23 May 3 (caption) A crystal cutter at Australian Glass Manufacturers. the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > electronics > electronic devices or components > [noun] > detector 1908 J. A. Fleming Index 332 Crystal detectors. 1938 E. G. Richardson ix. 190 Broadcast telephony can, if the signals are received at sufficient strength, be picked up by a crystal detector and a pair of headphones. 1957 T. R. Folsom in W. S. von Arx x. 54 The cosmic background may not appear so conspicuously on a scintillometer. The practical consequence is that one can work closer to the sea surface with a crystal detector. 1959 XI. 475/1 The crystal detector..has found a new application in the field of radar. 2002 B. Croft et al. in J. Y. Gillenwater et al. (ed. 4) I. iii. 187/2 A single crystal detector is usually mounted in..heavy-metal shielding so that the crystal is sensitive to x-rays or gamma rays from a localized region. 2005 J. Cazes & G. W. Ewing (ed. 3) 372/1 A crystal detector rectifies the microwaves, producing a voltage that is subsequently amplified. the world > matter > physics > solid state physics > semiconductivity > semiconductor diode > [noun] 1946 Oct. 264 (advt.) A vest pocket size radio!.. Uses new preset ‘crystal diode’ rectifier. 1955 11 June 378/3 A crystal diode is a device similar to the transistor. 2000 H. D. Huskey in R. Rojas & U. Hashagen i. 76 The crystal diodes made possible more complex logic circuits. 1930 A. 33 234 The influence of an electric field of given symmetry (crystal field) upon an atom is treated from the standpoint of wave mechanics. 1978 H. M. Rosenberg (ed. 2) xi. 190 The crystal field hardly interacts with the spin and so the spin magnetic moment remains. 2005 R. E. Newnham xxvi. 289 Crystal fields are important in determining the colors of transition-metal compounds because of the electronic transition within the incomplete 3d shell. 1949 32 445 The principal susceptibilities of samarium salts have been measured from 300° K to 85° K. The results are discussed in the light of crystal field theory. 1994 D. F. Shriver et al. (ed. 2) vi. 256 Crystal field theory provides a simple conceptual model and can be used to interpret spectra. 2004 R. R. D. Tilley S4. 552/1 For an understanding of the magnetic properties of transition metal ions, crystal field theory is sufficient. society > occupation and work > equipment > receptacle or container > vessel > [noun] > glass or crystal vessel society > occupation and work > materials > derived or manufactured material > glass and glass-like materials > [noun] > glass > crystal-glass 1567 A. Golding in tr. Ovid (new ed.) Ep. Ded. If that in a chrystall glasse fowle images they found, Resembling follies fowle visages that stand about it round. 1579 E. Spenser July f. 28 v His face more cleare, then Christall glasse. a1586 Sir P. Sidney (1590) iii. v. sig. Ll6 Haue you euer seene a pure Rosewater kept in a christal glas; how fine it lokes, how sweet it smels? 1613 T. Heywood ii. ii. sig. C3 Looke on me Adon with a stedfast eye, That in these Christall glasses I may see My beauty. 1645 J. Howell i. xxvii. 53 I was..in Murano, a little Island,..wher Crystall-Glasse is made. 1732 E. Strother I. 94 Common Glass and Crystal Glass differ in their Materials, the latter being made of a finer Matter than the former. 1783 S. Moreau 96 Others brought the art of making christal glasses for watches, and pictures, and jewellery to the greatest perfection. 1849 A. Pellatt 114 The principle of casing a layer of colour upon flint crystal glass. 1872 A. C. Sampson III. xxvii. 112 On a dumb-waiter..stood two decanters, choicely cut, filled with pale golden-looking liquid, and two slender crystal glasses. 1921 Jan. 20/1 (advt.) Tall 3-pint pitcher and 6 stylish bell-shaped tumblers—real hand cut, thin blown clear crystal glass. 2001 27 Jan. (TV Mag.) 12/1 (advt.) An enchanting pair of fine crystal glasses. 1606 G. Chapman iv. sig. G2 Humilitie hath raisde me to the starres; In which (as in a sort of Cristall Globes) I sit and see things hidde from humane sight. 1731 R. Cudworth iv. i. 150 There are all the same Impressions made upon the Crystal Globe, that there are upon the Living Eye. 1848 W. W. Story 397 From the centre hangs a crystal globe: Touch it but once, a Marid answers it, And at your nod brings all your wish may shape. 1909 Feb. 320/1 The Wizard with the Three Dragons only laughed as he gazed into his crystal globe, for in it he could see everything that was happening in any place in the world. 2004 (National ed.) 5 Aug. d6 (caption) A 1940's crystal globe from a Paris flea market. the world > matter > chemistry > crystallography (general) > crystal (general) > crystal habit > [noun] 1887 133 38 The feldspar in some cases has the crystal habit of adular, and in others is in thin tabular crystals. 1895 29 993 Some new crystal habits are observed on marcasite and on cerussite. 1950 15 55 A substance may have its crystal habit modified by an impurity. 2005 R. E. Newnham xvi. 173 The processing method involves pseudomorphism, the retention of crystal habit during conversion of one compound to another. the world > health and disease > healing > medical treatment > non-scientific treatments > [noun] > crystal healing 1979 31 Aug. b8/3 (advt.) Crystal and gemstone healing. 1989 S. Holbeche vii. 95 When choosing crystals for bodywork—crystal healing and massage—it is more sensible to use stones of 7–12 cm. 2009 (Nexis) 21 Apr. 14 I never say I can cure anybody but even with a terminal illness, crystal healing helps people relax. the world > matter > chemistry > crystallography (general) > crystal (general) > crystal lattice > [noun] 1913 A. 89 276 A knowledge of the mass of the hydrogen atom makes it possible to calculate the actual dimensions of a crystal lattice. 1950 I. M. Kolthoff & E. B. Sandell (rev. ed.) viii. 111 If the incorporated material fits in the crystal lattice of the precipitate (host crystal), it is occluded in the form of mixed crystals or a solid solution. 2001 O. Sacks vi. 58 The actual arrangement of atoms in a crystal lattice reflected the closest packing that the attractions and repulsions between the atoms would allow. the world > physical sensation > use of drugs and poison > an intoxicating drug > [noun] > stimulant drug(s) > specific stimulant drugs 1969 Dec. 95 I was really into diet pills for a while, and then somebody offered me crystal meth, and I did up a hit of that, and I just got into doing crystal meth. Just kept on doing it. 1984 M. A. Jarman 98 All real pleasure demands decibels: crystal meth out at Skelly's truckstop, V-8's, carnal screamers. 2000 N. Griffiths (2001) 51 What's ee on?—Christ, ee bombed abaht a gram av crystal meth yestaday, ee'l be aht av it fa days. 2005 K. Cimino xiii. 169 His new friend taught him how to smoke crystal meth the proper way. the world > physical sensation > use of drugs and poison > an intoxicating drug > [noun] > stimulant drug(s) > specific stimulant drugs 1970 6 Dec. 3 b/3 If he was going to deal speed it would have to be the mob's own crystal methamphetamine. 1989 17 Nov. 889/1 Hawaii is experiencing the first stages of what, I believe, is an epidemic of smokable crystal methamphetamine. 2006 15 Jan. 23/1 (heading) Crystal methamphetamine is a class B man-made stimulant which comes either as a white crystalline powder or solid. the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > audibility > sound magnification or reproduction > [noun] > microphone 1925 1/1 A great advantage of such crystal microphone over the usual carbon microphone is the distortionless rendering of the sound. 2002 J. F. Cox (ed. 2) xi. 396 The crystal microphone has a high internal resistance, and if connected to an amplifier with a low input impedance, the signal voltage level..will drop. society > occupation and work > workplace > places where raw materials are extracted > mine > [noun] > other mines 1600 R. Hakluyt (new ed.) III. 361 Three score leagues vp to the Northwest from Saint Helena are the mountaines of the golde and Chrystall Mines, named Apalatci. a1798 T. Pennant (1948) 117 Stop't at an old crystal mine at the edge of the mountain. 1819 Sept. 253/1 It was announced that a crystal mine had been discovered in France, near Vie, in Lorraine. 1960 42 136 The drapery is cubistically broken up almost as if an earthquake had disturbed a crystal mine. 2008 (Nexis) 20 July d12 At Mount Ida's crystal mines you crouch, moving your head up, down and side to side to catch the sun glinting off a six-faceted point in globs of clay. the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > electronics > electronic devices or components > [noun] > oscillator 1923 59 82 I have found it possible..to obtain finally the absolute period of the crystal oscillator itself in terms of a standard clock by the intermediation of a tuning fork. 1938 E. G. Richardson iv. 76 One may start with a crystal oscillator, say of 50,000 cycles/sec.,..and allow it to synchronise a valve-oscillating circuit of the frequency 1,000 which is rich in harmonics. 2000 P. Scherz ix. 280 The stability of a crystal oscillator (from around 0.01 to 0.001 percent) is much greater than that of an RC oscillator..or an LC oscillator. 1602 F. Beaumont tr. Ovid sig. D4 There the little god Hath a cleare cristall Palace of abode.] 1607 B. Barnes Prol. sig. A2 Sent from the Christall Palace of true Fame And bright Starre-Chamber of eternall soules,..To dwell with mortall bodies here on earth. 1786 I. ii. 76 Thus spoke the goddess, and descended to her crystal palace with all her watry train. 1848 22 Jan. 44/1 The Jardin d'Hiver..is a vast conservatory or crystal palace, filled with magnificent pictures and statues, bronzes, fountains, [etc.]. 1850 21 Aug. 4/3 Mr. Paxton's ‘crystal palace’, for the exhibition of 1851, has given a fillip to the glass trade. 1890 Mar. 714/1 Mt. Tacoma and its cloud city of crystal palaces. 1920 W. J. Humphreys iii. ii. 455 Italian poets represent her [sc. Morgan le Fay] as dwelling in a crystal palace beneath the waves. 1984 E. H. Colbert ii. 35 (caption) A contemporary..drawing, showing the models of prehistoric animals,..exhibited on the grounds of the Crystal Palace at Sydenham. 2008 (Nexis) 21 Apr. 48 The great cathedrals were the wonders of the medieval world. These crystal palaces were built centuries before modern architects did the same with glass and steel. 1894 28 698 The book does not claim to be..a treatise on crystallography or crystal physics. 1903 H. Hilton x. 98 The usual problems we have to consider in crystal-physics. 1949 E. Katz in J. Franck & W. B. Loomis xv. 291 This picture..merely contains a justification from crystal physics for the postulated processes of a photosynthetic unit. 2005 R. E. Newnham xxxii. 354/2 Chemical etching was another favorite topic in classical crystal physics that has undergone a recent revival. the world > matter > chemistry > crystallography (general) > [noun] > laboratory techniques 1950 G. K. Teal & J. B. Little in 78 647/2 Germanium single crystals of a variety of shapes, sizes, and electrical properties have been produced by means of a pulling technique distinguished from that of Czochralski and others.] 1951 J. R. Haynes & W. Shockley No. 1847. 3/2 Using crystals of large cross-sectional dimensions (0.4 cm) made by the crystal-pulling technique of Teal and Little. 2005 A. Getkin in P. Capper xii. 369 Contact breaking is evidence of melt-level lowering as a result of crystal pulling. society > communication > broadcasting > radio broadcasting > [noun] > radio set society > communication > telecommunication > radio communications > radio equipment > [noun] > radio set > receiver > types of 1922 O. H. Caldwell & S. A. Dennis xii. 152 When a man sells a crystal radio set to a customer who lives 300 miles from a broadcasting station he is placing in the hands of a new user a device that may..pick up a little sound once in a while. 1922 23 July (Advertising section) 1/6 (advt.) Operators of the crystal radio who wish to learn something to their advantage write to Box 42, San Leandro. 1925 Nov. 58/1 Building a simple crystal radio receiver is a mighty good way to get started in radio. 1988 H. Doerr in M. Atwood (1989) 124 James..sat in headphones by the hour in front of a crystal radio set. 2008 R. Lawrence 4/2 Les was really intrigued after hearing a guitar on his new crystal radio. the world > matter > physics > solid state physics > semiconductivity > semiconductor diode > [noun] 1907 25 50 Crystal rectifiers employed in the construction of alternating current measuring instruments. 1987 M. L. Sisodia & G. S. Raghuvanshi ii. 17 The detecting system consists of a built-in crystal rectifier which converts the alternating rf voltage..into dc current. 2004 M. Dardo ix. 259 The idea of two types of carriers was put forward in the 1930s, at a time when important uses were beginning to be found for crystal rectifiers. the mind > mental capacity > expectation > foresight, foreknowledge > prediction, foretelling > crystal-gazing > [noun] 1845 11 440/3 That an analogous condition of the nervous system, accounts for the Egyptian magic, Dr. Dee's crystal-seeing, the vigilant experiments of modern mesmerists. 1997 J. P. Deveney ii. 34 Crystal seeing was to become one of the fundamentals of Randolph's later magic. the mind > mental capacity > expectation > foresight, foreknowledge > prediction, foretelling > crystal-gazing > [noun] > one who practices 1849 E. Bulwer-Lytton Caxtons xiii. lxxi, in June 646/2 It is not every one, however, who can be a crystal-seer; like second-sight, it is a special gift. 1905 W. E. Nevill 51 Those egotists..who, as the crystal seers of a future state, glibly chatter of ‘the next step in Social Evolution’. 2005 (Nexis) 21 Mar. a4 (caption) Eddie,..who bills himself as a master tarot card reader, palmist and crystal seer, checks his crystal ball at New Star's Famous Psychic Fair..on Saturday. society > communication > broadcasting > radio broadcasting > [noun] > radio set society > communication > telecommunication > radio communications > radio equipment > [noun] > radio set > receiver > types of 1921 B. 24 416 Speech and music transmitted from Königswusterhausen by a valve transmitter on a 3600-m. wave was easily heard using the note magnifier ̧ but not on the crystal set. 1933 July 53/2 By building a crystal set, you can provide the children of the family with a cheap, satisfactory receiver of their own. 1943 C. L. Boltz xiii. 209 Some years ago thousands of people regularly used crystal sets for listening to broadcast programmes. 2001 Spring 149 Radios with loudspeakers were naturally forbidden in the dormitory of my boarding school, but crystal sets were easily concealed. the world > the supernatural > the occult > sorcery, witchcraft, or magic > [noun] > magical object > stone society > occupation and work > equipment > receptacle or container > box > [noun] > of specific material or construction the mind > mental capacity > expectation > foresight, foreknowledge > prediction, foretelling > crystal-gazing > [noun] > object used in society > occupation and work > materials > raw material > gem or precious stone > rock crystal > [noun] > piece of the world > the earth > minerals > types of mineral > silicates > tectosilicate > [noun] > quartz > crystalline quartzes > rock crystal > piece of a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden (St. John's Cambr.) (1869) II. 235 (MED) Bot som oþer seiþ þat þat wyndowe was an hool [c1410 BL Add. al hool of] cristal stoon. c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 347 Thanne shewe I forth my longe cristal stones Ycrammed ful of cloutes and of bones. 1480 W. Worcester in J. Nasmith (1778) 224 Lapides vocat cristalle-stonys. 1584 R. Scot xv. xii. 411 To haue a spirit inclosed into a christall stone or berill glasse. 1639 J. Taylor 17 Turn'd to a man of Ice, or Christall Stone. 1758 R. Dossie ii. ii. 140 The chrystals of this salt resemble greatly to the sprigs of chrystal stone, but of a less length. 1859 11 June 334/2 Down some of the lead mines in Derbyshire the miners throw out with the ore a pretty greenish-blue crystal stone..called ‘Fluor Spar’. 1993 P. Ackroyd (1994) iv. 167 He took the crystal stone from my hands and held it up to his face, as if it were a chalice to be blessed. the world > matter > chemistry > crystallography (general) > crystal (general) > [noun] 1842 I. vii. 35 (caption) Polynesian island—crystal structure. 1862 3 99 In this respect it affords one of the most instructive means at our disposal for the examination of crystal structure. 1910 A. E. H. Tutton xvi. 198 We have learnt how to determine the relative dimensions of the unit of the crystal structure, the molecular cell. 1967 A. H. Cottrell xiii. 158 There are two fully close-packed crystal structures, known as face-centred cubic..and close-packed hexagonal. 2001 R. W. Cahn iii. 71 They performed a sophisticated analysis of the crystal structure of various phases in steels. the world > matter > chemistry > crystallography (general) > crystal (general) > crystal systems > [noun] 1847 J. Müller viii. iii. 544 All their forms are essentially referrible to a regular hexagonal star, from whence it follows that snow-flakes belong to the hexagonal system of crystals (the crystal-system of rock crystals). 1914 A. 90 14 It is..extremely difficult to say to which of two crystal systems it really belongs. 1971 I. G. Gass et al. i. 19/1 Recognition of the crystal system is of course a very considerable aid to identification of a mineral. 2000 W. D. Nesse vii. 121/1 Materials of geological interest that are optically isotropic include volcanic glass and minerals that crystallize in the isometric crystal system. the world > health and disease > healing > medical treatment > non-scientific treatments > [noun] > crystal healing 1982 25 Feb. b6/2 The following seminars will be offered: creativity; the art of healing though the Holy Spirit;..color and crystal therapy. 2009 S. Fenton iii. 19 You can take advantage of healing techniques such as crystal therapy, color therapy, and aromatherapy. the world > matter > colour > named colours > purple or purpleness > purple dye or pigment > [noun] the world > matter > colour > colouring > colouring matter > [noun] > stain > for microscopy the world > health and disease > healing > medicines or physic > medicines for specific purpose > antiseptic > [noun] > specific 1883 H. Caro & A. Kern 1/1 The manufacture of a purple dye-stuff or coloring matter which we term ‘crystallized methyl-violet’.] 1885 J. J. Hummel xvi. 386 Crystal Violet... This colouring matter is the hydrochloride of hexa-methyl-para-rosaniline. 1966 88 4790/2 The acid strength was determined by titration with acetous potassium hydrogen phthalate using crystal violet as indicator. 1996 L. M. Prescott et al. (ed. 6) 683 The bile salts and crystal violet in this medium inhibit the growth of gram-positive bacteria. 2004 R. M. Gardner ix. 245 A long-standing method of recovering latent fingerprints from the adhesive side of tape is the use of a solution of alcohol and crystal violet dye. the mind > mental capacity > expectation > foresight, foreknowledge > prediction, foretelling > crystal-gazing > [noun] the mind > mental capacity > expectation > foresight, foreknowledge > prediction, foretelling > crystal-gazing > [noun] > picture seen by 1829 J. Dunlop iii. 186 And so my dreams And crystal visions told that tend I must, And wait thro' tribulation my intent. 1889 5 486 Recent experiments in crystal-vision. 1921 G. C. Cook i. 40 She..looks again for the vision in the spring... You seem to have had a crystal vision. That is not so uncommon, but—have you ever done any crystal-gazing? 1998 (Nexis) 30 July e1 For all her crystal-vision musings and witchy-woman excesses, Nicks has always made a certain kind of sense. society > occupation and work > materials > derived or manufactured material > glass and glass-like materials > [noun] > glass > glass-work or glassware > types of 1805 J. J. Oddy i. iv. 112 China, earthen, and crystal ware. 1888 13 June 13/5 In the glass trade there has been a marked revival lately in the demand for deep-cut crystal ware. 1990 S. Sturges xxxi. 184 I had everything in the..shop, including..boxes of crystalware I couldn't even pick up. 2009 (Nexis) 8 Oct. 16 Another [photograph] shows Jesus seated at a table graced with fine china and crystalware. Derivatives 1567 J. Maplet f. 5v The Diamond is..in colour almost Christallike, but somewhat more resplendishing. 1624 J. Smith ii. 25 His arrowes were fiue quarters long, headed with the splinters of a white christall-like stone. a1718 J. Bulkeley (1719) xii. 388 The Floor Was glitterant Gold, but yielding to the Sight Transparent, Crystal-like. 1853 A. Gray (ed. 4) ii. iv. 511 Microscopic and infusory green Algae of single cells..often of crystal-like forms. 1997 20 May (Network Plus section) 9/3 Tempering is the process where chocolate is repeatedly heated and cooled until a crystal-like structure appears within it. 1573 G. Harvey Schollers Loove in (1884) 103 Her fayer graye eies Shininge christall wise. 1870 Apr. 457/1 That sublime common sense, that common life, which have organized themselves crystal-wise in domestic, social, political, and religious institutions. ?1906 J. Freeman (1917) 73 Certain events happen, certain passions wake and burn, certain circumstances form themselves crystal-wise. 2006 S. K. Niazi in C. G. Smith & J. T. O'Donnell (ed. 2) xviii. 338 Investigations on me began with knowing which end of me is straight (crystal-wise)—all in an attempt to determine whether I like water..or not. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2011; most recently modified version published online June 2022). crystalv. Origin: Formed within English, by conversion. Etymon: crystal n. the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > types of ornamentation > ornament [verb (intransitive)] > overlay with crystal 1577 J. Grange sig. Eiv In mundifiyng their beardes, cristalling their teeth,..or in demediating the haires of their head. 1715 M. Davies 186 Its top is Crystal'd over with..a transparent and diaphonous Azure. 1848 J. R. Lowell ii. 18 Diamond drops, Which crystalled the beams of moon and sun, And made a star of every one. a1859 I. Nichols (1867) I. iv. 146 The lake, which a few cold nights would otherwise have converted into a solid bed of ice,..is now simply crystalled over. 1922 W. de la Mare (ed. 2) 58 At sight of these jewels [sc. drops of water] thus crystalling the dark air I was filled with such a rapture that I actually clapped my hands. 2003 G. Joyce (2004) xxiii. 185 The glass from the shop front had blown out and crystaled the street before her. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2011; most recently modified version published online March 2022). <  n.adj.OE v.1577 |
