unit cell

[ˈjuːnɪt sɛl]
nounpl: unit cells
célula unitária
1. The smallest repeating structural unit of a crystal lattice that, when repeated in three dimensions, generates the entire crystal structure
The unit cell of a cubic crystal contains atoms at the corners and possibly at the center or face centers.
A célula unitária de um cristal cúbico contém átomos nos cantos e possivelmente no centro ou nos centros das faces.
2. The fundamental building block used to describe and analyze the geometric and chemical properties of crystalline solids
Crystallographers use the unit cell to determine the crystal system and space group.
Cristalógrafos usam a célula unitária para determinar o sistema cristalino e o grupo espacial.
This is a technical term primarily used in crystallography, materials science, physics, and chemistry. It is universal across English and Portuguese-speaking scientific communities with no regional variations in meaning. The term is essential for academic study and professional work in materials research and structural analysis.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
primitive cellfundamental domaincrystal cell

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
célula unitária
Standard term used in academic and scientific contexts
São Paulo
célula unitária
Common in materials science and engineering departments
Portugal
célula unitária
Identical usage to Brazilian Portuguese in scientific contexts
General American
unit cell
Standard terminology in crystallography and materials science

Related Words

crystal latticecrystallographylattice parameterspace groupmiller indicescubic system
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