crystallize

verb

crys·​tal·​lize ˈkri-stə-ˌlīz How to pronounce crystallize (audio)
variants or less commonly crystalize
crystallized; crystallizing

transitive verb

1
: to cause to form crystals or assume crystalline form
2
: to cause to take a definite form
tried to crystallize his thoughts
3
: to coat with crystals especially of sugar
crystallize grapes
crystallizable
ˈkri-stə-ˌlī-zə-bəl How to pronounce crystallize (audio)
ˌkri-stə-ˈlī-
adjective
crystallization noun
crystallizer noun

Examples of crystallize in a Sentence

Eventually the paint will start to crystallize. Certain conditions can cause carbon to crystallize into diamonds. Certain conditions can crystallize carbon into diamonds. The final paragraph of the essay crystallizes her theory. He tried to crystallize his thoughts. Her theory crystallizes in the final paragraph of the essay.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Like Carpenter’s floor plans, which in 1912 crystallized his ideas for superior apartment planning in the design for 635 Park Avenue, Candela’s also adhere to certain consistent principles for dividing the apartment into discrete areas for entertaining, service, and private life. David Netto, Curbed, 17 Oct. 2024 Honey Cold temperatures can cause honey to crystallize more quickly than when stored in a dark, cool place like your pantry. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2024 In the end, the infield alignment hardly mattered as the Padres put the ball in the air, got to Webb early and sent the Giants to their second straight shutout loss, 5-0, that only further crystallized the disappointing outcome of their season. Evan Webeck, The Mercury News, 13 Sep. 2024 The minerals composing gravestones crystallize at high temperatures and pressures inside Earth. David Bressan, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for crystallize 

Word History

Etymology

crystal entry 1 + -ize

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of crystallize was in 1600

Dictionary Entries Near crystallize

Cite this Entry

“Crystallize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crystallize. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

crystallize

verb
crys·​tal·​lize ˈkris-tə-ˌlīz How to pronounce crystallize (audio)
crystallized; crystallizing
1
a
: to cause to form crystals or assume crystalline form
b
: to become crystallized
2
: to take or cause to take definite form
the plan crystallized slowly
crystallization noun

Medical Definition

crystallize

verb
crys·​tal·​lize
variants also crystalize also British crystallise or crystalise
crystallized also crystallized also British crystallised or crystallised; crystallizing also crystallizing also British crystallising or crystallising

transitive verb

: to cause to form crystals or assume crystalline form
especially : to cause to form perfect or large crystals

intransitive verb

: to become crystallized
often used with out
the solid crystallized out
crystallizable adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on crystallize

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