Word
crystallization
Phoneticscrys·tal·liza·tion
UK spelling · crystallisation
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. formation of solid crystals from a liquid as it cools or dries, like sugar hardening in a pan. You also use it for an idea slowly becoming clear and fixed.
n. formation of highly ordered solid crystals from a solution, melt, or vapour by cooling, evaporation, or precipitation. Extended figuratively to the process by which vague ideas or attitudes assume definite, fixed form.
Examples
“Crystallization turns sweet syrup into rock candy.”
“The teacher shows crystallization by cooling hot sugar water until clear crystals grow on a string.”
“Prolonged storage allowed slow crystallization of honey in the jar, transforming the once fluid gold into a pale, grainy mass that still tasted sweet.”
Examples
simple
“Crystallization turns sweet syrup into rock candy.”
contextual
“The teacher shows crystallization by cooling hot sugar water until clear crystals grow on a string.”
complex
“Prolonged storage allowed slow crystallization of honey in the jar, transforming the once fluid gold into a pale, grainy mass that still tasted sweet.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “crystallization” in context.
Verb
01. crystallization begins
“Crystallization begins at the edges of the pan as water evaporates.”
noun + verb
02. crystallization occurs
“Crystallization occurs when the saturated solution cools undisturbed.”
noun + verb
03. induce crystallization
“Cooling the solution rapidly will induce crystallization within minutes.”
verb + noun
04. inhibit crystallization
“Additives inhibit crystallization and keep honey smooth for longer.”
verb + noun
05. lead to crystallization
“Slow evaporation can lead to crystallization of sugar on the rim.”
verb + prep + noun
06. observe crystallization
“Students observed crystallization under the microscope in chemistry class.”
verb + noun
Adjective
07. fractional crystallization
“Fractional crystallization explains how diverse rocks form from one magma.”
adj + noun
08. gradual crystallization
“The project showed gradual crystallization of a clear strategy over months.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. moment of crystallization
“The meeting marked the moment of crystallization for our business plan.”
noun + prep + noun
10. process of crystallization
“The process of crystallization turns liquid magma into solid rock.”
noun + prep + noun
11. inhibit the crystallization of sugar
“Heating with lemon juice inhibits the crystallization of sugar in syrup.”
12. lead to complete crystallization
“Leaving the solution overnight leads to complete crystallization in the beaker.”
Real-World Examples
“In the 17th century, French candy-makers had discovered that fat has the handy property of getting in the way of crystallization.” “While the multifarious crystallization of diamonds in the mantle is remarkable, yet another independent mechanism is responsible for bringing them up to the earth’s surface.” Etymology
From crystal + -ization.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Word family
NOUN
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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