crystallize
Become clear, definite
Crystallize means to form crystals—the orderly, geometric structures that emerge when molecules arrange themselves in fixed patterns.
Sugar crystallizes as it cools; minerals crystallize from solution.
The figurative sense dominates everyday use: to crystallize is to take definite shape from something vague or fluid.
The plan finally crystallized after months of discussion.
Her anger crystallized into resolve.
Ideas, feelings, and intentions crystallize when they become clear and solid.
Become solid from cold
- congealSolidify from liquid state
- hardenMake or become firm
- setArrange in position
- coagulateSolidify from liquid form
gel · thicken · solidification · stiffen · petrify · calcify · vitrify · precipitate
To make understood
- illuminateSupply with radiance
- defineState precise meaning
- articulateExpress clearly, or well-spoken
- distillPurify through vaporization
focus · sharpen · refine · coalesce · converge · resolve · synthesize · formulate
Openwork of crossed strips
- facetsPolished gem surfaces
- symmetryInvariance under transformation
- cubicOf three dimensions
- hexagonalSix-edged polygon's form
tetrahedral · mineralogy · prism · matrix · formation · geometry · pattern · arrangement
Sugary edible treats
- caramelizeCook until golden-brown
- glazeThin lustrous coating
- fondantSmooth, moldable cake covering
- rock candyCrystalline sugar confection
confection · syrup · coating · crust · brittle · praline · fudge · nougat
freeze
Become solid from cold
coagulate · gel · thicken · solidification · stiffen · petrify · calcify · vitrify · precipitate · form
elucidate
To make understood
- illuminateSupply with radiance
- defineState precise meaning
- articulateExpress clearly, or well-spoken
distill · focus · sharpen · refine · coalesce · converge · resolve · synthesize · formulate · pinpoint
lattice
Openwork of crossed strips
hexagonal · tetrahedral · mineralogy · prism · matrix · formation · geometry · pattern · arrangement · axis
candy
Sugary edible treats
- caramelizeCook until golden-brown
- glazeThin lustrous coating
- fondantSmooth, moldable cake covering
rock candy · confection · syrup · coating · crust · brittle · praline · fudge · nougat · frosting
- hardensolidify, harden, stiffen, firm up, set
- process verbscreate, produce, make, build, construct
- geology verbserode, deposit, subduct, uplift, fault
- lab verbsanalyze, boil, calibrate, centrifuge, condense
- precipitationrain, snow, hail, drizzle, sleet
- summariessummary, synopsis, summaries, abstract, abstracts
crystallizedissolve
Disperse into liquid
melt · liquefy · deliquesce · thaw · evaporate
- crystalline lensEye's adjustable focusing element
- crystallized honeyHoney that hardened
- crystallized gingerSugar-preserved spicy root
- crystallized sugarSugar in solid form
crystalline, crystallization, crystallized, crystallizes, crystallise, crystallizing, crystallised, crystallises, crystallising