anorthic

9.9

Having three unequal crystal axes that meet at slanted angles

adjective
/əˈnɔrθɪk/

Specialized

: triclinico

Unlike cubic crystals, anorthic crystals lack axes of equal length or right angles.

Examples

The mineral crystallized in an anorthic system, making its structure complex to analyze.
In geology, an anorthic crystal system is essential for understanding certain minerals.
Scientists studied the anorthic form to understand the mineral's properties.
The mineral structure is classified as anorthic.
The mineral crystallized in an anorthic system, making its structure complex to analyze.
Scientists studied the anorthic form to understand the mineral's properties.
Unlike cubic crystals, anorthic crystals lack axes of equal length or right angles.

Synonyms

triclinic

vsanorthic

Specialized

1 9.9

A crystal shape with three unequal lines that meet at slanted angles

is the exact scientific synonym used as an alternative technical name

Surface Forms

anorthic positive

Morphology

anorthic = orthic (opaque) = an + orth + ic

The base 'orthic' is a technical combining form unfamiliar to general learners, so 'an-' + 'orthic' yields a specialized crystallographic term not derivable by a B1 learner.

Etymology

The word anorthic comes from the parts an- ('not') and orthic, from Greek orthos ('straight' or 'right'), the same root you see in orthodox and orthodontist. So anorthic means 'not straight' in its angles, which is why these crystals do not have equal axes or right angles.