cristalino
/kɾistaˈlino/
The English phrase "crystalline lens" is translated into Spanish as cristalino.
In an anatomical or medical context, cristalino refers to the transparent part of the eye that focuses light onto the retina. It functions as a substantive noun meaning "the lens" in these contexts, but it also functions as an adjective meaning "crystalline".
How does it change in a sentence?
In medical and anatomical contexts, the noun is almost always used with the definite masculine article el.
How do you pronounce it?
/kɾistaˈlino/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, cataracts are called cataratas, which is the same word used for large waterfalls, evoking the image of a cloudy veil of water blocking the view.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the term lente is used for eyeglasses, but it is rarely used to refer to the biological 'crystalline lens' inside the eye, which remains el cristalino.
- The word cristalino is also used in Spanish to describe a specific type of pure, clear water or a high-pitched, clear singing voice.
Examples in context
- El tratamiento más común para la catarata es la extracción quirúrgica del cristalino opaco.The most common treatment for cataracts is surgical removal of the opaque crystalline lens.
- Mi hermano menor tiene problemas con su lente natural y usa lentes de contacto para corregir su visión.My younger brother has issues with his natural lens and wears contact lenses to correct his vision.
- El cristalino ayuda a enfocar la luz en la retina.The crystalline lens helps focus light onto the retina.
- El cristalino es una parte clave del ojo.The crystalline lens is a key part of the eye.
- La luz pasa a través del cristalino.Light passes through the crystalline lens.
- El médico revisó su cristalino con cuidado.The doctor carefully examined her crystalline lens.
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are talking about a medical report.
- Daniel¿Qué dice el informe sobre tu ojo?What does the report say about your eye?
- SofíaDice que mi cristalino está muy sano.It says my crystalline lens is very healthy.
- DanielEso es una excelente noticia para ti.That is excellent news for you.
- SofíaSí, estoy muy aliviada por eso.Yes, I am very relieved about that.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cristalino, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
