noncrystalline
Lacking ordered lattice
Noncrystalline describes materials whose atoms or molecules lack the ordered, repeating structure found in crystals.
Glass is the classic example—its molecules are arranged randomly, like a frozen liquid.
The term applies broadly in materials science: noncrystalline solids, noncrystalline polymers.
Amorphous is a near synonym.
Glass-like in appearance
- glassTransparent solid from sand
- silicaSilicon dioxide compound
- obsidianGlassy igneous rock
- transparentAllowing light through
translucent · smooth · brittle · quenched · supercooled · solidified · fused · annealed
Lacking systematic arrangement
- structurelessWithout organized arrangement
- randomOccurring without pattern
- isotropicSame properties all directions
- homogeneousAlike in composition throughout
irregular · unordered · chaotic · diffuse · nonperiodic · short-range · long-range · atomic
Transformed into glass
- enamelHard glossy coating
- glazeThin lustrous coating
- porcelainTranslucent fired clay
- slagIndustrial metalworking byproduct
gel · sintered · frit · coating · thin-film · deposit · sputtered · substrate
Capable of being molded
- polymerLarge repeated-unit molecule
- resinViscous plant secretion
- rubberElastic polymer from trees
- siliconeFlexible synthetic polymer
elastomer · nylon · polycarbonate · acrylic · epoxy · polyethylene · polystyrene · thermoplastic
vitreous
Glass-like in appearance
transparent · translucent · smooth · brittle · quenched · supercooled · solidified · fused · annealed · tempered
disordered
Lacking systematic arrangement
- structurelessWithout organized arrangement
- randomOccurring without pattern
- isotropicSame properties all directions
homogeneous · irregular · unordered · chaotic · diffuse · nonperiodic · short-range · long-range · atomic · molecular
vitrified
Transformed into glass
slag · gel · sintered · frit · coating · thin-film · deposit · sputtered · substrate
plastic
Capable of being molded
silicone · elastomer · nylon · polycarbonate · acrylic · epoxy · polyethylene · polystyrene · thermoplastic · thermoset
noncrystallinecrystalline
Clear, ordered, brilliant
crystallized · crystalised · polycrystalline · microcrystalline · ordered
crystal, crystallize, crystalline, unstructured, crystallization, uncrystallized