English Reference

Word

crystal

Phoneticscrys·tal

US/ˈkɹɪstəɫ/

UK/kɹˈɪstəl/

Definitions

01scientific solid

B1 · Science

n. a solid substance with a regular, repeating internal structure that creates a specific shape.

n. a solid composed of an array of atoms or molecules possessing long-range order in a periodic three-dimensional pattern.

“Snowflakes are actually tiny ice crystals that form in the clouds.”

“The geologist examined the quartz crystal under a microscope to identify the specific lattice structure of the mineral sample.”

Technical

Synonyms

02fine glassware

B2

n. a very high-quality, clear glass used for expensive bowls or drinking glasses.

n. a high-quality, highly refractive glass, traditionally containing lead oxide, used for decorative vessels.

“They brought out the fine crystal glasses for the wedding toast.”

“The sunlight hit the crystal decanter on the sideboard, scattering prismatic colours across the dining room wall.”

Synonyms

glasswarelead glass

03watch cover

C1

n. the clear glass or plastic cover that protects the face of a watch.

n. the transparent cover, made of glass, synthetic sapphire, or plastic, that protects the dial of a timepiece.

“I accidentally scratched the crystal of my watch when I bumped into the wall.”

“High-end diving watches typically feature a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal to ensure the dial remains legible under extreme conditions.”

Technical

Synonyms

watch glass

04illegal drug

C1

n. a slang name for the illegal drug methamphetamine.

n. a slang term for methamphetamine hydrochloride, particularly in its crystalline form.

“The police arrested the man for possession of crystal.”

“The documentary explored the devastating impact that the production and sale of crystal had on rural communities over the last decade.”

Slang

Synonyms

05made of crystal

B1

adj. made from crystal or high-quality glass.

adj. composed of or resembling crystal; often used to describe transparency or material composition.

“She wore a pair of crystal earrings that sparkled in the light.”

“The chandelier was adorned with hundreds of crystal droplets that shimmered whenever the ballroom doors were opened.”

06very clear

B2

adj. extremely clear and easy to see through or understand.

adj. possessing a high degree of clarity or transparency; often used figuratively for communication.

“The water in the mountain lake was crystal clear.”

“The manager made it crystal clear that any further delays in the project would result in immediate disciplinary action.”

Usage

Commonly used in the fixed phrase 'crystal clear'.

Antonyms

Real-World Examples

“Unlike a crystal, a glass has no repeating atomic pattern.”
Phys.org · 16 Aug 2026
“Clean girl is out!" There's a child-like quality to festival make-up, he says, so embrace it - think playful colour and crystals.”
BBC News · 30 Jul 2026

Collocations

crystal known

Word family

Idioms

crystal clear — Completely clear (in various senses).

crystal dick — Erectile dysfunction caused by methamphetamine use or other drug use.

This entry

Level
C1 · Advanced
Frequency
Common
Updated

Scan code

englishreference.com/q/crystal

English Reference