crystallize
[kris-tl-ahyz]
verb (used with object), crys·tal·lized, crys·tal·liz·ing.- to form into crystals; cause to assume crystalline form.
- to give definite or concrete form to: to crystallize an idea.
- to coat with sugar.
verb (used without object), crys·tal·lized, crys·tal·liz·ing.- to form crystals; become crystalline in form.
- to assume definite or concrete form.
Also especially British, crys·tal·lise.
Origin of crystallize
First recorded in
1590–1600; crystall- +
-izeDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for crystallise
Historical Examples of crystallise
The normal antimoniate does not crystallise, and has an alkaline reaction.
The liquid, evaporated in a water bath, is left to crystallise.
Neutralise a hot dilute solution of hydrochloric acid with carbonate of barium, evaporate down, and crystallise.
It is purified by treating it several times with boiling 90 to 95 alcohol, filtering the liquor, and leaving it to crystallise.
Saturate dilute sulphuric acid with sesquicarbonate of ammonia, in slight excess; filter, gently evaporate, and crystallise.
British Dictionary definitions for crystallisecrystallize
crystalize, crystallise or crystalise
- to form or cause to form crystals; assume or cause to assume a crystalline form or structure
- to coat or become coated with sugarcrystallized fruit
- 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
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for crystalliseOnline Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
