crystallize

[kris-tl-ahyz] /ˈkrɪs tlˌaɪz/
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.
4.
to form crystals; become crystalline in form.
5.
to assume definite or concrete form.
Also, especially British, crystallise.
Origin
1590-1600; crystall- + -ize
Related forms
crystallizability, noun
crystallizable, adjective
crystallizer, noun
noncrystallizable, adjective
noncrystallized, adjective
noncrystallizing, adjective
uncrystallizable, adjective
uncrystallized, adjective
Examples from the web for crystallized
  • The spotted owl crystallized the power of the species-protection law.
  • The way students don't understand college was crystallized for me several years ago in a meeting with a student.
  • Once zircon has crystallized it may be moved around by geological processes, but its chemical makeup and structure don't change.
  • Beard seemed to have crystallized in his mind, but he wasn't sure yet what would happen to him.
  • Plans not crystallized yet but this is to be expected at his age.
  • Some claimed that it started out as cries of pain, which gradually crystallized into distinct words.
  • Some sugar makers heated the sap further, turning it into crystallized sugar.
British Dictionary definitions for crystallized

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
crystallizable, crystalizable, crystallisable, crystalisable, adjective
crystallizability, crystalizability, crystallisability, crystalisability, noun
crystallization, crystalization, crystallisation, crystalisation, noun
crystallizer, crystalizer, crystalliser, crystaliser, noun
Word Origin and History for crystallized
adj.

c.1600, past participle adjective from crystallize. Of fruit, etc., from 1875.

crystallize

v.

1590s, from crystal + -ize. Figurative use is from 1660s. Related: Crystallized; crystallizing.