triclinic
1
9.9
- adjective
- /traɪˈklɪnɪk/
- Specialized
- The mineral sample displayed a triclinic structure, with axes of different lengths meeting at oblique angles.
Examples
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The geologist identified the triclinic arrangement of the crystal's axes during her field study.
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In his presentation, he explained the unique properties of triclinic crystals compared to other crystal systems.
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OK, who thinks triclinic crystals are the most common?
Synonyms
Having three unequal crystal axes that meet at slanted angles
Surface Forms
Morphology
triclinic = tri + clin + ic
The prefix 'tri-' (three) and suffix '-ic' (relating to) are clear, but the root 'clin' is a less familiar combining form meaning 'slope/lean' and the full crystallographic sense is specialized, so learners cannot fully derive the precise meaning from the parts alone.
Etymology
The word triclinic comes from the parts tri- 'three' and clin 'to lean', the same 'clin' you can see in incline. So imagine three tilted or leaning axes, which is why a triclinic crystal has three unequal axes that do not meet at right angles.