crystallize

[ kris-tl-ahyz ]

/ ˈkrɪs tlˌaɪz /

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.

Nearby words

Also especially British, crys·tal·lise.

Origin of crystallize

First recorded in 1590–1600; crystall- + -ize

Related forms

crys·tal·liz·a·bil·i·ty, nouncrys·tal·liz·a·ble, adjectivecrys·tal·liz·er, nounnon·crys·tal·liz·a·ble, adjective

non·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

The object of art is to crystallise emotion into thought and then to fix it in form.
Dictionary of Quotations from Ancient and Modern, English and Foreign Sources|James Wood
Tom watched as they lifted the latter from its iron support and poured its contents into stone vessels to crystallise and cool.
How Canada was Won|F. S. Brereton
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
It is the tragic fate of all religions that they must crystallise into a system.
The Evolution of Love|Emil Lucka

Suppose we use this calamitous forenoon to choose the shapes we are to crystallise into?
The Crown of Wild Olive|John Ruskin

British Dictionary definitions for crystallise

crystallize

crystalize, crystallise or crystalise

/ (ˈkrɪstəˌlaɪz) /

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.