Decrystallization

/ˌdiːˌkrɪstələˈzeɪʃən/ noun

Definition

The process of destroying or breaking down the crystalline structure of a substance, making it non-crystalline.

Etymology

From de- (reverse) + crystallization (the process of forming crystals). This scientific term describes the opposite of crystallization, common in chemistry and metallurgy.

Kelly Says

When you heat certain minerals or metals, you cause decrystallization—the atoms lose their orderly arrangement and become disordered, which is why heated metal becomes softer and easier to work with.

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