crystallize

American  

[kris-tl-ahyz] / ˈkrɪs tlˌaɪz /

especially British, crystallise

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.

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verb (used without object)

crystallized, crystallizing

1. to form crystals; become crystalline in form.

2. to assume definite or concrete form.

crystallize British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• crystallizability noun
• crystallizable adjective
• crystallization noun
• crystallizer noun
• noncrystallizable adjective
• noncrystallized adjective
• noncrystallizing adjective
• uncrystallizable adjective
• uncrystallized adjective

Etymology

Origin of crystallize

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

Example Sentences

“The sale of the food-delivery operations in Taiwan enables the company to crystallize considerable fundamental value for its shareholders.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

Outlook statements from the wave of earnings reports expected over the next two weeks will crystallize that view.

From Barron's • Jan. 19, 2026

If uric acid levels rise too much, it can crystallize in the joints and kidneys, causing gout, kidney disease and a number of related conditions.

From Science Daily • Nov. 14, 2025

Where last year’s parade day felt more like an overdue coronation, this one served to crystallize their legacy.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 3, 2025

He waited for it to crystallize and show its teeth on the edges of the cool quiet that had pooled in the Waystone.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss