"The aqueous vapor of the atmosphere precipitated in a crystalline form, and falling to the earth in flakes, each flake consisting of a distinct crystal, or more commonly combinations of separate crystals. The crystals belong to the hexagonal system, and are generally in the form of thin plates and long needles or spiculae; by their different modes of union they present uncounted varieties of very beautiful figures." —Whitney, 1889

Snowflakes as Described by William Scoresby

"The aqueous vapor of the atmosphere precipitated in a crystalline form, and falling to the earth in…