macler

Senses

1. 1.

   to twin (crystals)

   To form a twin crystal or twinned structure in crystallography

2. 2.

   to stain; to spot

   To mark or damage with spots or stains (archaic/rare usage)

Examples

• "Les cristaux de feldspath maclent fréquemment dans les roches granitiques."

  Feldspar crystals frequently twin in granitic rocks.

• "Certains minéraux ont tendance à macler selon des lois cristallographiques précises."

  Some minerals tend to twin according to precise crystallographic laws.

Usage

This is a technical term in mineralogy and crystallography. It is uncommon in everyday French but standard in geological and scientific contexts. The noun form is "macle" (twin crystal).