Definition

In a manner that relates to the growth of a crystalline layer on a substrate, where the layer follows the crystallographic orientation of the underlying material.

Example

The semiconductor was deposited epitaxially to ensure optimal electronic properties.

Conversation

I heard you worked on that project about crystal growth.

Yeah, we focused on how to grow them epitaxially for better quality.

That sounds really interesting! How did you achieve that?

We used specific substrates to help the layers form epitaxially.

Root Explanation

Epitaxially → It is formed from "epi-" (meaning upon or over) and "taxis" (from Greek "taxis", meaning arrangement or order). The word describes a process where a layer of material is deposited upon a crystalline substrate in a specific arrangement.

Memory Tip

Think of 'epi-' meaning 'upon' and 'taxis' meaning 'arrangement' — this helps you remember that 'epitaxially' refers to a process involving the arrangement of material upon another surface.

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