crystallize Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb cause to take on a definite and clear shape
    crystallise; crystalise; crystalize.
    • He tried to crystallize his thoughts
  2. verb make free from confusion or ambiguity; make clear
    crystallise; illuminate; straighten out; elucidate; clear; clear up; sort out; crystalise; shed light on; crystalize; enlighten.
    • Could you clarify these remarks?
    • Clear up the question of who is at fault
  3. verb cause to form crystals or assume crystalline form
    crystallise; crystalise; crystalize.
    • crystallize minerals
  4. verb assume crystalline form; become crystallized
    crystalise; effloresce; crystalize.

WordNet

Crys"tal*lize transitive verb
Etymology
Cf. F. cristalliser. See Crystal.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Crystallized present participle & verbal noun Crystallizing
Definitions
  1. To cause to form crystals, or to assume the crystalline form.
Crys"tal*lize intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To be converted into a crystal; to take on a crystalline form, through the action of crystallogenic or cohesive attraction.

Webster 1913