verb
also crys·tal·ize ˈkristəˌlīz
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Usage: see -ize
Etymology: crystall- or crystal (I) + -ize
transitive verb
1. : to cause to form crystals or assume crystalline form ; especially : to cause to assume perfect or large crystals
2. : to cause to take a fixed and definite form
tried to crystallize his thoughts
3. : to coat with crystals especially of sugar
crystallize cherries
intransitive verb
1. : to become converted into crystals : assume crystalline form : solidify by crystallizing : deposit crystals — often used with out
2. : to become fixed and definite in form — often used with out
opinion has crystallized out into two sharply opposed viewpoints — S.F.Mason