Definition

The process of growing crystals of one material on the surface of another material, where both have the same crystal structure.

Example

Epitaxy is often used in the production of semiconductors to create layers of materials with specific properties.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of epitaxy?

Yeah, I think it's related to crystal growth, right?

Exactly! It's about how one crystal grows on another with the same orientation.

That sounds really interesting; I didn't know it had such specific requirements!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Epitaxy → It is formed from "epi-" (meaning upon or over) and "taxis" (from Greek "taxis", meaning arrangement or order). The word describes the process of growing a crystalline layer on a substrate in a specific orientation, hence the idea of arrangement upon another layer.

Memory Tip

Think of 'upon' ('epi-') and 'arrangement' ('taxis') to remember that epitaxy refers to the arrangement of a layer upon another.

Visually Confused Words