Clinoaxis

/ˌklaɪnoʊˈæksɪs/ noun

Definition

In crystallography, an axis of a crystal that is inclined at an oblique angle rather than perpendicular to other axes.

Etymology

From Greek klino- (meaning 'to lean' or 'incline') plus axis (from Latin, meaning 'axle' or 'pivot point'), literally a 'leaning axis'.

Kelly Says

Monoclinic and triclinic crystals have clinoaxes—the 'slanted' axes in crystal geometry show how minerals can have beautifully asymmetrical arrangements at the atomic level!

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