verb

crystallize

to crystallize

The salt in the water began to crystallize.

The salt in the water began to crystallize.

Our thoughts began to crystallize into a plan.

Our thoughts began to crystallize into a plan.

((sth.)) to form crystals The salt began to crystallize.

((sth.)) into ((sth.)) to become a definite shape Our thoughts crystallized into a plan.

Synonyms: solidify, form, take shape, materialize

From Latin 'crystallus' (ice, crystal) plus the verb-forming suffix '-ize'.

Imagine a liquid turning into a 'crystal'. This helps remember both the physical meaning and the figurative one of ideas taking a clear form.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.