Biaxiality

/ˌbaɪ.æk.siˈæl.ə.ti/ noun

Definition

The quality or property of having two axes, especially in crystals with two optical axes.

Etymology

From 'biaxial' plus the abstract noun suffix '-ity'. This technical term allows discussion of the specific property that characterizes certain crystal structures.

Kelly Says

The biaxiality of a crystal is one way geologists and physicists can determine what material they're looking at under a microscope—it's basically a fingerprint made of light!

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