1. Having both internal structure and external form of a crystal
   "quartz crystal is perfectly crystallized";
   - crystalized, crystallised [Brit]
    
2. Having become fixed and definite in form
   "distinguish between crystallized and uncrystallized opinion";
   - crystallised [Brit], crystalized
    
3. (used especially of fruits) preserved by coating with or allowing to absorb sugar
   "The crystallized cherries added colour to the fruit cake";
   - candied, crystalized [US, rare], glacé

1. (physics) cause to form crystals or assume crystalline form
   "crystallize minerals";
   - crystallise [Brit], crystalize [US, rare]
    
2. Assume crystalline form; become crystallized
   "The sugar solution crystallized as it cooled";
   - crystalize [US, rare], effloresce, crystallise [Brit]
    
3. Make clear or more understandable; remove confusion or ambiguity
   "The professor's explanation helped crystallize the concept";
   - clear, clear up, shed light on, crystallise [Brit], crystalize [US, rare], straighten out, sort out, enlighten, illuminate, elucidate
    
4. Cause to take on a definite and clear shape
   "He tried to crystallize his thoughts";
   - crystallise [Brit], crystalize [US, rare]

See also: crystalline, preserved

Type of: change integrity, clarify, clear up, elucidate, form, shape, solidify

Encyclopedia: Crystallized