The term "orthorhombic" refers to a specific type of crystal system in mineralogy and solid-state physics. In this system, crystals are characterized by three mutually perpendicular axes that are of different lengths. This arrangement results in a unique geometric shape, often seen in minerals like barite and topaz. Orthorhombic crystals exhibit distinct symmetry and can be identified by their unique physical properties, such as cleavage and optical characteristics. The orthorhombic system is one of the seven crystal systems, which also include cubic, tetragonal, hexagonal, trigonal, monoclinic, and triclinic.