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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The minerals composing gravestones crystallize at high temperatures and pressures inside Earth. David Bressan, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 The liquid inside crystallizes with changes in air pressure, presenting a mesmerizing distraction for the workaholic on your list. Malia Griggs, Glamour, 14 Oct. 2024 The tattoo moment might have also crystallized the moment when everyone agreed Benjamin Keough needed to find a final resting place outside the home. David K. Li, NBC News, 8 Oct. 2024 The intro to his new show on Max, Conan O’Brien Must Go, is spoken by Werner Herzog: the voice from the iceberg, crystallizing its syllables. James Parker, The Atlantic, 13 Sep. 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 14 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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