crystallize

[ kris-tl-ahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, crys·tal·lized, crys·tal·liz·ing.

1. to form into crystals; cause to assume crystalline form.
2. to give definite or concrete form to:

   to crystallize an idea.

3. to coat with sugar.

verb (used without object)

, crys·tal·lized, crys·tal·liz·ing.

1. to form crystals; become crystalline in form.
2. to assume definite or concrete form.

crystallize

/ ˈkrɪstəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to form or cause to form crystals; assume or cause to assume a crystalline form or structure
2. to coat or become coated with sugar

   crystallized fruit

3. to give a definite form or expression to (an idea, argument, etc) or (of an idea, argument, etc) to assume a recognizable or definite form

Derived Forms

• ˌcrystalliˈzation, noun
• ˈcrystalˌlizer, noun
• ˈcrystalˌlizable, adjective
• ˌcrystalˌlizaˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• crystal·liza·bili·ty noun
• crystal·liza·ble adjective
• crystal·lizer noun
• non·crystal·liza·ble adjective
• non·crystal·lized adjective
• non·crystal·lizing adjective
• un·crystal·liza·ble adjective
• un·crystal·lized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of crystallize¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; crystall- + -ize

Example Sentences

Despite the ubiquity of molecular crystals in many everyday products, the ability to predict their three-dimensional structures remains a challenge, especially if a compound can crystallize into multiple forms.

From Science Daily

But there is a political dimension to what Kapadia is doing here, one that crystallizes at roughly the halfway mark, when the film bursts out of its confines, as do the women.

From Los Angeles Times

Was there a particular moment you recall that sort of signified or crystallized your departure or transition from academia and legitimately pursuing cooking and the restaurant industry?

From Salon

Political scientists were aware of these trends, he said, “but Trump’s candidacy really crystallized the phenomenon.”

From Los Angeles Times

Charli has been redefining and crystallizing her sound for over a decade.

From Los Angeles Times