Ice crystal

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-006406",
  "term": "Ice crystal",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definitions": [
    "A small, solid particle of ice that forms in the atmosphere, typically at temperatures below freezing, and serves as the primary component of cirrus clouds and snow. These crystals exhibit a wide variety of shapes, including hexagonal plates, columns, needles, and dendrites, depending on the temperature and humidity conditions during their formation. Their intricate structures are responsible for atmospheric optical phenomena like halos.",
    "A barely visible crystalline form of ice that has the shape of needles, columns or plates. Ice crystals are so small that they seem to be suspended in air. Ice crystals occur at very low temperatures in a stable atmosphere."
  ],
  "synonyms": [
    "poudrin"
  ],
  "references": [
    "NWS Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/ice-crystal/"
}