"process by which molecules of a substance in liquid or vapor form unite and become solid, 1660s, noun of action from crystallize. Figurative use is attested by 1842.
Entries linking to crystallization
crystallize v.
1590s, "convert into crystal;" 1660s "form into crystals;" from crystal + -ize. Intransitive sense of "be converted into crystals" is from 1640s. Figurative use, of opinions, love, etc., that are at first indeterminate, "assume a definite form and fixity," is from 1660s. Related: Crystallized; crystallizing.
crystallisation n.
chiefly British English spelling of crystallization; for spelling, see -ize.
recrystallization n.
"process of crystallizing again," 1782, from re- "again" + crystallization or else a noun formed to go with recrystallize.