crystallize

[ kris-tl-ahyz ]

verb (used with object)

crystallized, crystallizing.

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)

crystallized, crystallizing.

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 Word Forms

• 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

This idea that I needed to speak freely crystallized pretty quickly, especially in the climate we’re in with Gaza, the return of Trump, fascism.

From Los Angeles Times

Still, the figure crystallizes something we’ve all felt for a while — that boomers are giving more money to their millennial or Gen Z offspring than past generations.

From Salon

“I don’t think it was like fully crystallized, but I knew it was going to have to be something with the rec center,” Redick said.

From Los Angeles Times

And through those conversations, the reality Smith first confronted a decade ago was only further crystallized as blueprints came together.

From Los Angeles Times

“If you add even just a small amount of invert sugar to your sugar solution while you're cooking it, it'll help it to prevent from crystallizing,” he said.

From Salon