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Glite Dictionary
crystal mike

crystal mike

9.7
A microphone that uses a small crystal to turn sound into electric signals
  • noun
  • /ˈkrɪstəl maɪk/
  • Archaic
translation icon : micrófono de cristal
  • The engineer connected the crystal mike to the amplifier for the recording session.

Examples

  • He replaced the broken crystal mike with a modern dynamic microphone.

  • A crystal mike is often used in older audio equipment because of its simple design.

  • He used a crystal mike for his recording.

  • The crystal mikes produced clear sound quality.

  • The engineer connected the crystal mike to the amplifier for the recording session.

  • A crystal mike is often used in older audio equipment because of its simple design.

  • He replaced the broken crystal mike with a modern dynamic microphone.

Synonyms

mic
vscrystal mike
  • Informal
194 3.5

A small object that changes sound into electricity for recording or making sound louder

is a specific type that uses a piezoelectric crystal for conversion
mike
vscrystal mike
  • Informal
19 5.2

A small device people speak into so others can hear

is a technical subtype using a piezoelectric crystal rather than any informal term
crystal microphone
vscrystal mike
  • Archaic
6.2

A device for recording or sending voices that uses a small crystal to change sound into an electrical signal

is the shorter informal form used in speech rather than the full name

Surface Forms

crystal mike singular
crystal mikes plural

Morphology

crystal + mike

The compound is a straightforward modifier+noun combination: 'crystal' (a piece of quartz) qualifies 'mike' (microphone), so a learner who knows both words can infer it denotes a microphone that uses a crystal. The meaning is literal and compositional (even if the technical piezoelectric detail is unknown), so it is immediately understandable to a B1 learner.

Etymology

The noun crystal mike comes from the tiny crystal inside the mike that vibrates when sound hits it and makes an electric 'signal', so the name shows this 'microphone' uses a crystal to turn sound into electricity.