Definition

1. Noun:
   • The process of forming crystals: The physical or chemical process by which atoms, molecules, or ions arrange themselves into a highly ordered, repeating structure, known as a crystal.
   • A mental synthesis that becomes fixed or concrete: The process by which an idea, plan, or concept becomes clear, definite, and well-defined in the mind, analogous to the formation of a crystal.
   • A rock formed by solidification: A solid substance, often a mineral, that has formed through the process of crystallization and possesses a regular internal structure and often external plane faces.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The crystallization of salt from seawater is a common example of this process.
  • After hours of discussion, the crystallization of our strategy was a relief to the entire team.
  • The geologist showed us a beautiful quartz crystallization found in the cave.

Advanced Usage

• "To undergo crystallization": To experience the process of becoming crystalline or clearly defined.
  • The solution was left to cool slowly so the solute could undergo crystallization.
• "A moment of crystallization": A point in time when a vague idea becomes sharply clear and definite.
  • Reading that article provided the moment of crystallization for my thesis argument.

Variants and Related Words

• Crystallize (verb): To form crystals; to make an idea or plan clear and definite.
  • The sugar will crystallize if you heat the syrup too much.
  • We need to crystallize our goals before the meeting.
• Crystalline (adjective): Having the structure and form of a crystal; clear and transparent.
  • The lake had a crystalline clarity.
• Recrystallization (noun): A process of purifying a substance by dissolving it and then allowing it to crystallize again.

Synonyms

• Solidification: The process of becoming solid.
• Clarification: The action of making a concept or situation clear and understood.
• Formation: The process of being formed or coming into existence.

Related Phrases

• Crystallization point: The specific temperature or condition at which a substance begins to form crystals.
  • The chemist carefully monitored the solution to identify its crystallization point.
• Crystallization of thought: The process by which thinking becomes organized and precise.
  • The meditation retreat led to a profound crystallization of thought for her.

Related Idioms

• To crystallize into something: To develop into a definite and clear form.
  • Their initial fears eventually crystallized into a solid plan of action.

Noun

1. a mental synthesis that becomes fixed or concrete by a process resembling crystal formation
2. a rock formed by the solidification of a substance; has regularly repeating internal structure; external plane faces
3. the formation of crystals