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- + -ize

Related formscrys·tal·liz·a·bil·i·ty, nouncrys·tal·liz·a·ble, adjectivecrys·tal·liz·er, nounnon·crys·tal·liz·a·ble, adjectivenon·crys·tal·lized, adjectivenon·crys·tal·liz·ing, adjectiveun·crys·tal·liz·a·ble, adjectiveun·crys·tal·lized, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for crystallise

Historical Examples of crystallise

The normal antimoniate does not crystallise, and has an alkaline reaction.
Cooley's Practical Receipts, Volume II
Arnold Cooley
The liquid, evaporated in a water bath, is left to crystallise.
Cooley's Practical Receipts, Volume II
Arnold Cooley
Neutralise a hot dilute solution of hydrochloric acid with carbonate of barium, evaporate down, and crystallise.
Cooley's Cyclopdia of Practical Receipts and Collateral Information in the Arts, Manufactures, Professions, and Trades..., Sixth Edition, Volume I
Arnold Cooley
It is purified by treating it several times with boiling 90 to 95 alcohol, filtering the liquor, and leaving it to crystallise.
Cooley's Cyclopdia of Practical Receipts and Collateral Information in the Arts, Manufactures, Professions, and Trades..., Sixth Edition, Volume I
Arnold Cooley
Saturate dilute sulphuric acid with sesquicarbonate of ammonia, in slight excess; filter, gently evaporate, and crystallise.
Cooley's Cyclopdia of Practical Receipts and Collateral Information in the Arts, Manufactures, Professions, and Trades..., Sixth Edition, Volume I
Arnold Cooley

British Dictionary definitions for crystallise

crystallize

crystalize, crystallise or crystalise

verb

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

Derived Formscrystallizable, crystalizable, crystallisable or crystalisable, adjectivecrystallizability, crystalizability, crystallisability or crystalisability, nouncrystallization, crystalization, crystallisation or crystalisation, nouncrystallizer, crystalizer, crystalliser or crystaliser, noun

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 crystallise

crystallize

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