Word
crystallography
Phoneticscrys·tal·log·ra·phy, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌkɹɪstəˈɫɑɡɹəfi/
UK/kɹˌɪstɐlˈɒɡɹəfi/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the science that studies crystals and how their tiny atoms are arranged. You hear about it in chemistry when people use X-rays to look inside solids.
n. scientific study of crystal structure and the arrangement of atoms in solids, typically through X-ray diffraction. Underpins work in chemistry, mineralogy, and materials science where atomic organization determines physical properties.
Examples
“She studies crystallography to understand salt crystals.”
“The chemistry students use crystallography to see how atoms line up inside a diamond.”
“Advances in crystallography allowed researchers to map the complex protein structure that had resisted analysis for decades.”
Examples
simple
“She studies crystallography to understand salt crystals.”
contextual
“The chemistry students use crystallography to see how atoms line up inside a diamond.”
complex
“Advances in crystallography allowed researchers to map the complex protein structure that had resisted analysis for decades.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “crystallography” in context.
Verb
01. apply crystallography
“Researchers apply crystallography to determine the structure of new materials.”
verb + noun
02. crystallography confirms
“Crystallography confirms the molecular structure predicted by theory.”
noun + verb
03. crystallography reveals
“Crystallography reveals how atoms are precisely arranged in solids.”
noun + verb
Adjective
04. electron crystallography
“Electron crystallography allows scientists to image tiny, imperfect crystals.”
adj + noun
05. neutron crystallography
“Neutron crystallography reveals hydrogen positions invisible to X-rays.”
adj + noun
Noun
06. advances in crystallography
“Recent advances in crystallography have accelerated pharmaceutical research.”
noun + prep + noun
07. application of crystallography
“The application of crystallography is essential in materials science.”
noun + prep + noun
08. field of crystallography
“She has made major contributions to the field of crystallography.”
noun + prep + noun
09. a degree in crystallography
“She holds a degree in crystallography from the University of Cambridge.”
10. determined by x-ray crystallography
“The enzyme's structure was determined by X-ray crystallography.”
11. introduction to chemical crystallography
“This course provides an introduction to chemical crystallography.”
12. pioneering work in crystallography
“Dorothy Hodgkin was honoured for pioneering work in crystallography.”
Real-World Examples
“Using biophysical techniques and crystallography, a method that allows scientists to determine the detailed three-dimensional structure of molecules, the team obtained a high-resolution view of how these plant receptors bind to fungal effectors.” “By combining molecular movies with X-ray crystallography and solution biophysics, the team revealed a spectrum of dynamic architectures that static structural models alone cannot fully describe.” “They first used X-ray crystallography to capture the structure of a section of Mic60 found only in animals.” “X-ray crystallography revealed that the molecule was causing p38 delta to change shape around it.” Etymology
From crystal + -ography.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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