Crystal
/ˈkrɪs.təl/noun
A clear, naturally formed solid with an orderly internal structure; also a glass-like mineral or decorative object.
Did you know?The word comes through Latin and Greek from a root meaning “ice,” because ancient writers believed clear quartz was permanently frozen water.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*kreus-
“to freeze; to form a crust”
Ancient Greek
Greek
κρύσταλλος (krýstallos)
“ice; clear mineral, especially rock crystal”
Latin
Latin
crystallus
“crystal; rock crystal”
Old French
Old French
cristal
“crystal; clear glass or mineral”
Middle English
English
cristal
“a clear, transparent mineral or glass”
Modern English
English
crystal
“a clear, naturally formed solid with an orderly internal structure”