English Dictionary

Definition of “crystallize

crystallize or crystalize or crystallise or crystalise(ˈkrɪstəˌlaɪzPronunciation for )

Definitions

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

Alternative Forms

ˈcrystalˌlizable ˈcrystalˌizable ˈcrystalˌlisable ˈcrystalˌisable adjective ˌcrystalˌlizaˈbility ˌcrystalˌizaˈbility ˌcrystalˌlisaˈbility ˌcrystalˌisaˈbility noun ˌcrystalliˈzation ˌcrystaliˈzation ˌcrystalliˈsation ˌcrystaliˈsation noun ˈcrystalˌlizer ˈcrystalˌizer ˈcrystalˌliser ˈcrystalˌiser noun

Synonyms

View thesaurus entry
= take shape, form, become clear come together, materialize,
= harden, solidify, coalesce, form crystals

Usage examples

  • He tried to crystallize his hazy recollections of the reasons for the boy's referral to child guidance.
    Moore, Margaret, Forests of the Night (1987)
  • Bihar needs a flagship offering, around which growth will crystallize.
    Outlook India (2005)
  • The report will crystallize what some economists have been saying for weeks: the "job-loss" recovery is far from over.
    Globe and Mail (2003)
  • An issue will be needed to make any such combination crystallize.
    Pimlott, Ben, Frustrate Their Knavish Tricks (1994)

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