crystallize

Etymology

crystal + -ize

verb

1. (transitive, chemistry, physics) to make something form into crystals
   I crystallized the copper sulphate by slowly cooling a saturated solution.
2. (intransitive) to assume a crystalline form
   The copper sulphate crystallized from solution.
3. (transitive) to give something a definite or precise form
   After some thought, I crystallized my ideas for the paper.
4. (intransitive) to take a definite form
   My ideas crystallized overnight.
   The situation did crystallize, if painfully, under the stars, and by morning each knew what he must confess. 1957, Patrick White, chapter 12, in Voss
5. (transitive) to coat something with crystals, especially with sugar
   We crystallized the fruit by coating in sugar.