An interstitial defect refers to a type of point defect in a crystalline structure where an atom or ion occupies a position in the crystal lattice that is not normally occupied by an atom of that kind. In simpler terms, it occurs when extra atoms are inserted into the spaces or "interstices" between the regular lattice sites of a crystal structure. Interstitial defects can occur in various types of materials, including metals, semiconductors, and ionic compounds.
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