Epitactic

/ɛpɪˈtæktɪk/ adjective

Definition

In chemistry and materials science, relating to or describing the ordered growth of a crystalline material on the surface of another crystal; also called epitaxial.

Etymology

From Greek 'epi-' (upon) + 'taxis' (arrangement, order), describing how atoms arrange themselves in orderly fashion on top of a crystal surface.

Kelly Says

Scientists can actually grow perfect crystal layers on top of other crystals atom-by-atom—it's like atomic-scale construction that creates the chips in your phone!

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