Characterized
by precise molecular
order, like that of a perfect crystal,
the interior of a protein
molecule, or a machine-phase
system; contrasted to the disorder of bulk materials,
solution environments, or biological structures on a cellular scale. Borderline
cases can be identified, but perfection is not necessary. As a crystal with sparse defects
is best described as a crystal
(rather than as amorphous), so a eutactic structure with sparse defects is best described as (imperfectly) eutactic,
rather than as disordered.
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