The symmetrical electrostatic field which is produced by the atoms surrounding a central metal atom or ion in a crystal lattice and which acts on that atom or ion.
Origin
1930s; earliest use found in Scientific Abstracts. After German Kristallfeld.
Definition of crystal field in US English:
crystal field
noun
Chemistry
The symmetrical electrostatic field which is produced by the atoms surrounding a central metal atom or ion in a crystal lattice and which acts on that atom or ion.
Origin
1930s; earliest use found in Scientific Abstracts. After German Kristallfeld.