dictionary definitions for "crystallize"


From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Crystallize \Crys"tal*lize\ (kr[i^]s"tal*l[imac]z), v. t. [imp.
     & p. p. Crystallized (-l[imac]zd); p. pr. & vb. n.
     Crystallizing.] [Cf. F. cristalliser. See Crystal.]
     To cause to form crystals, or to assume the crystalline form.
     [1913 Webster]

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  crystallize \crys"tal*lize\, v. i.
     To be converted into a crystal; to take on a crystalline
     form, through the action of crystallogenic or cohesive
     attraction; to precipitate from a solution in the form of
     crystals.
     [1913 Webster +PJC]

From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:

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


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