'crystal' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'κρυστάλλος' (krystallos/krustallos), where the root meant 'ice' or 'clear ice-like rock'.

'crystal' changed from Greek 'κρυστάλλος' to Latin 'crystallum', then to Old French 'cristal' and eventually became the modern English word 'crystal' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'ice' or 'clear ice-like substance', but over time it evolved to mean 'a clear, transparent mineral or a solid with a regular internal structure', which is its current primary meaning.