crystallised

Everyday

1. Turned into crystals: a liquid or a solution formed solid pieces with flat, regular faces. tree →
2. Became clear and fixed: an idea, a plan or a feeling took a definite shape. tree →
3. (adjective, food) Coated or preserved in sugar, so it sparkles, like crystallised ginger. tree →

In the lessons

In science, salt or sugar crystallises when water evaporates from a solution or when a hot solution cools; children grow crystals on a string. In stories and history it tells the reader that a vague idea suddenly became clear and firm. In cooking, crystallised fruit or ginger is sweet and sugary. Phrases: «the salt crystallised out», «the plan crystallised», «crystallised honey».

Examples

• The salt crystallised on the saucer after the water dried up. tree →
• Our sugar solution crystallised into tiny cubes overnight. tree →
• Old honey in the jar had crystallised and gone grainy. tree →
• Her idea for the science fair crystallised after the trip to the beach. tree →
• Slowly the plan crystallised in his mind. tree →
• Nan put crystallised ginger on top of the cake. tree →
• The water crystallised into frost on the window. tree →
• In the cave, minerals had crystallised into shining points. tree →

Note

UK and Australian spelling; US spelling is «crystallized». Double «l». Regular verb: crystallise, crystallised. Not the same as «frozen», though ice is also a crystal. Crystallised honey is not spoiled; it can be warmed to turn runny again.