Crystallize: meaning, definitions and examples

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crystallize

[ˈkrɪstəˌlaɪz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

chemistry

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

Synonyms

condense, freeze, solidify.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
crystallize	Used to describe the process where a solid forms with a specific structure from a liquid solution or molten material. Often used in scientific, metaphoric, or intellectual contexts. The chemist waited for the solution to crystallize His ideas began to crystallize after months of research
solidify	Used when a substance becomes solid from a liquid or a more flexible state. Can also be used metaphorically to describe making an idea or plan firmer or more definite. The lava will solidify as it cools down They need to solidify their plan before moving forward
freeze	Describes the process where a liquid turns into a solid due to low temperature. Common in everyday language as well as scientific contexts. The lake will freeze over by December Make sure to freeze the leftovers, so they don't go bad
condense	Refers to the process when gas changes to a liquid upon cooling. This term is common in scientific contexts, especially related to weather or physical state changes. Water vapor in the air will condense into droplets on a cold surface She managed to condense the report into a two-page summary

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
crystallize	Use 'crystallize' when talking about making something clear or definitive, often an idea or a plan. It can be used both in literal and metaphorical contexts. His thoughts began to crystallize into a clear plan. The solution will crystallize as it cools.
develop	Use 'develop' for describing the process of growth or progress in various contexts, such as ideas, projects, skills, or physical development. She worked hard to develop her communication skills. The company aims to develop new software solutions.
formulate	Use 'formulate' when you need to create or devise a detailed plan, method, or idea, often involving careful thought and precision. The scientists needed to formulate a hypothesis before conducting experiments. He took the time to formulate a strong argument for his case.
concretize	Use 'concretize' when you want to give a more solid or tangible form to an idea or concept, often in discussions involving abstract or theoretical topics. The architect needs to concretize his design sketch into detailed blueprints. Her theories were difficult to understand until she could concretize them with examples.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Greek 'kristallos,' meaning 'frozen' or 'icy.'
The suffix '-ize' indicates a process, making the term describe the action of forming a solid structure.

Science

Crystallization is a process used in chemistry to purify compounds by separating them from a mixture.
The arrangement of molecules in a crystal is highly ordered, giving crystals their unique shapes and properties.
Common items like table salt and sugar undergo crystallization, which is why they have distinct crystal forms.

Art

In visual art, 'crystallize' can refer to ideas solidifying into a clear image or concept, akin to how crystals form in nature.
Artists may use the concept of crystallizing ideas to describe the process of refining their artistic vision.

Psychology

In psychology, crystallized intelligence refers to the knowledge and skills acquired through experience, which become clearer and more structured over time.
The process of crystallizing an idea often involves breaking down complex thoughts into simpler, manageable parts.

Pop Culture

In the animation 'Frozen,' ice crystallization is visually depicted, emphasizing the beauty and complexity of frozen water.
The transformation of liquid to solid can symbolize deep emotional changes, often seen in narratives and character developments in movies.

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

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.

...
20087 thump
20088 congratulating
20089 unrealized
20090 crystallize
20091 grenade
20092 crudely
20093 hydrolyzed
...