Crystallography Terms

noun the process by which a beam of light or other system of waves is spread out as a result of passing through a narrow aperture or across an edge

• Diffraction is the bending of light waves around obstacles and openings.
• When light passes through a small opening, you can see diffraction patterns on the wall.
• Dude, did you see the cool diffraction effect when we shone the laser through the glass?
• Her words had a diffraction effect, spreading out and affecting everyone in the room.

noun a person who is overly sensitive or easily offended

• The intricate snowflake landed gently on the windowpane.
• Look at that beautiful snowflake falling from the sky!
• That snowflake is totally unique, just like you.
• Each person is like a snowflake, unique and special in their own way.

noun the quality or state of existing in or assuming different forms

• Polymorphism is a key concept in object-oriented programming where objects can take on different forms based on their class.
• In programming, polymorphism allows you to write code that can work with objects of different types without knowing their specific class.
• Polymorphism is like having a Swiss Army knife in programming - one tool that can handle multiple tasks.
• Just like how a chameleon changes its color to adapt to its environment, polymorphism allows objects to change their behavior based on their class.

noun a term used in chemistry to describe the spatial arrangement of atoms in a molecule

adjective describing the specific arrangement of atoms in a molecule without regard to its spatial orientation

• The absolute configuration of a molecule refers to the spatial arrangement of atoms within a chiral molecule.
• Knowing the absolute configuration of a compound helps determine its three-dimensional structure.
• I can't figure out the absolute configuration of this molecule, it's so confusing!
• Understanding the absolute configuration of a situation can provide clarity and direction in decision-making.

noun a coefficient that describes the ability of a gas or vapor to adhere to a solid surface

• The accommodation coefficient is a measure of how effectively a material can accommodate the deformation caused by an external force.
• The accommodation coefficient basically tells us how well a material can handle being stretched or bent.
• Yo, that material's accommodation coefficient is off the charts - it can take a beating!
• In life, having a high accommodation coefficient means being able to adapt and adjust to changes easily.

noun a type of mineral that belongs to the group of crinoids, marine animals related to starfish and sea urchins

• Actinocrinite is a type of mineral that forms in radiating clusters of needle-like crystals.
• I found a cool piece of actinocrinite while hiking in the mountains.
• Check out this funky actinocrinite I scored at the gem show!
• The actinocrinite crystals seemed to glow with an otherworldly energy.

noun a chemical compound with a unique carbon framework resembling a cage

• Adamantane is a type of organic compound with a unique molecular structure.
• I heard that adamantane is used in some pharmaceuticals.
• I don't really understand adamantane, it's too complicated for me.
• Her stance on the issue was as unyielding as adamantane.

noun a mineral of the pyroxene group, consisting of a silicate of sodium, calcium, iron, and aluminum

• Aegirite is a mineral that is typically found in igneous rocks.
• I heard that aegirite is really rare and only found in certain places.
• That aegirite specimen is lit, bro!
• His strength was like a piece of aegirite, unbreakable and resilient.