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 crystallize
  • Think slightly deeply about the ramifications of this fact, and the real problem will crystallize before you.
  • It takes time even for genius to crystallize the thought with which her letters and poems are crammed.
  • In order for the water vapor to crystallize, the atmospheric temperature has to be at or below freezing point.
  • As water begins to crystallize into ice, its hydrogen molecules hook together in ways that form six-sided crystals.
  • The chemicals in saliva can crystallize into a stone that can block the salivary ducts.
  • These minerals began to crystallize between the waterlogged wood's cell walls.
  • These are themes that straight history can rarely crystallize.
  • Gradually, meanings emerge and emotions crystallize.
  • More impressive still, one portrait can fade out and another crystallize in no time at all.
  • The trick was to make a substance crystallize as a highly ordered, symmetrical, porous framework.
British Dictionary definitions for crystallize

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 crystallize
v.

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