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Crystallize: meaning, definitions and examples

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crystallize

 

[ ˈkrɪstəˌlaɪz ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

chemistry

To form or cause to form crystals, especially with a regular atomic structure.

Synonyms

condense, freeze, solidify

Examples of usage

  • Salt crystals began to crystallize at the bottom of the container.
  • The solution was left to crystallize overnight.
  • The sugar started to crystallize as it cooled.
  • The lava began to crystallize as it cooled down.
  • The mineral crystallized in the rock over thousands of years.
Context #2 | Verb

figurative

To take a definite form or shape.

Synonyms

concretize, develop, formulate

Examples of usage

  • Her ideas slowly began to crystallize into a clear plan.
  • The concept started to crystallize in his mind.
  • The vision of the future began to crystallize for the team.

Translations

Translations of the word "crystallize" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cristalizar

🇮🇳 स्फटिक बनाना

🇩🇪 kristallisieren

🇮🇩 mengkristal

🇺🇦 кристалізувати

🇵🇱 krystalizować

🇯🇵 結晶化する (けっしょうかする)

🇫🇷 cristalliser

🇪🇸 cristalizar

🇹🇷 kristalleşmek

🇰🇷 결정화하다 (gyeoljeonghwahada)

🇸🇦 تبلور (taballur)

🇨🇿 krystalizovat

🇸🇰 kryštalizovať

🇨🇳 结晶 (jiéjīng)

🇸🇮 kristalizirati

🇮🇸 kristallast

🇰🇿 кристалдану

🇬🇪 კრისტალიზაცია (kristʻalizatsia)

🇦🇿 kristallaşmaq

🇲🇽 cristalizar

Etymology

The word 'crystallize' originates from the Greek word 'krystallos', meaning ice or rock crystal. The term was first used in the 1790s to describe the process of forming crystals. Over time, 'crystallize' evolved to also represent the idea of taking a definite form or shape, not just in a literal sense but also in a metaphorical context.

See also: crystallization, crystallography, crystals, crystalware.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,090, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.