Cristales is a noun in Spanish, specifically the plural form of cristal.
/krisˈtales/
Cristales refers to the plural of cristal, which can mean both "crystals" in a scientific context or "glass" in everyday use, as in panes of glass or types of glassware. The term is commonly used both in written and spoken contexts; however, its frequency may vary depending on the context (e.g., scientific discussions vs. casual conversations).
Los científicos estudiaron los cristales para entender sus propiedades.
The scientists studied the crystals to understand their properties.
Necesitamos comprar nuevos cristales para las ventanas de la casa.
We need to buy new glasses for the house windows.
La joyería estaba llena de cristales brillantes y coloridos.
The jewelry store was full of bright and colorful crystals.
While the word cristales is not commonly used in many idiomatic expressions, it does appear in some phrases relating to fragility or clarity. Here are some idiomatic examples:
Ver a través de los cristales.
To see through the crystals (to have clarity in a situation).
Tener un corazón de cristal.
To have a heart of glass (to be very sensitive or vulnerable).
La vida es un cristal que puede romperse.
Life is a crystal that can break (life is fragile).
The word cristal derives from the Latin word crystallus, which comes from the Greek word κρύσταλλος (krustallos), meaning "frozen" or "icy," indicating the clear, solid form of ice that resembles crystal.
Synonyms: - Vidrio (glass) - Prisma (prism)
Antonyms: - Opaco (opaque, as not transparent)
This comprehensive overview should provide a thorough understanding of the term cristales in multiple contexts.