crystallize

also

v., -lized, also -ized, -liz·ing, -iz·ing, -liz·es, -iz·es.

v.tr.

1. To cause to form crystals or assume a crystalline structure.
2. To give a definite, precise, and usually permanent form to: The scientists finally crystallized their ideas about the role of the protein.
3. To coat with crystals, as of sugar.

v.intr.

1. To assume a crystalline form.
2. To take on a definite, precise, and usually permanent form.

crystallizable crys'tal·liz'a·ble adj.
crystallization crys'tal·li·za'tion (-lĭ-zā'shən) n.
crystallizer crys'tal·liz'er n.

IN BRIEF: To take on or give a definite form. Also: To form a solid substance with a repeating arrangement of its atoms.

Sometimes my thoughts will crystallize as I talk about my ideas with someone else.

Note: click on a word meaning below to see its connections and related words.

The verb has 4 meanings:

Meaning #1: cause to take on a definite and clear shape
  Synonyms: crystallise, crystalise, crystalize

Meaning #2: make free from confusion or ambiguity; make clear
  Synonyms: clear, clear up, shed light on, crystallise, crystalize, crystalise, straighten out, sort out, enlighten, illuminate, elucidate

Meaning #3: cause to form crystals or assume crystalline form
  Synonyms: crystallise, crystalize, crystalise

Meaning #4: assume crystalline form; become crystallized
  Synonyms: crystalize, crystalise, effloresce

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