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

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

From Barron's • Jan. 19, 2026

Messrs. Garicano, Holmström and Petit crystallize matters in a way that has some hope of breaking through among lawmakers and voters.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025

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

Worthwhile documentaries crystallize a point in time in a way that contextualizes current circumstances.

From Salon • Sep. 10, 2025

Suddenly all the stories that had been swirling around in my head began to crystallize and come together.

From "The Marvels" by Brian Selznick