recrystallize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “recrystallize” mean?
To form crystals again, especially from a solution or molten state, often to purify a substance or change its physical structure.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To form crystals again, especially from a solution or molten state, often to purify a substance or change its physical structure.
To undergo or cause to undergo a process of reorganization or renewal, metaphorically applied to ideas, structures, or social formations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. British English may occasionally use 'recrystallise' (with 's'), while American English consistently uses 'recrystallize' (with 'z').
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, confined to specialist contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “recrystallize” in a Sentence
[Substance] recrystallizes.Scientists recrystallized [substance] from [solution/solvent].[Heat/Pressure] causes [substance] to recrystallize.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “recrystallize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The dissolved salt will recrystallise as the water evaporates.
- To purify the compound, they recrystallised it from hot ethanol.
American English
- The metal recrystallized after being annealed at high temperature.
- We need to recrystallize this sample to remove impurities.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form. 'Recrystallisingly' is non-existent.]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form.]
adjective
British English
- The recrystallised sugar had a finer texture.
- They studied the recrystallised mineral under a microscope.
American English
- The recrystallized alloy showed improved strength.
- Analysis focused on the recrystallized grain boundaries.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Common in chemistry, geology, and materials science papers. Metaphorical use possible in humanities discussing theoretical 'reformation'.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would only be used by someone explaining a scientific process.
Technical
The primary domain. Describes a key process in metallurgy, chemistry, and pharmaceutics.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “recrystallize”
- Misspelling as 'recrystalize' (missing an 'l').
- Using it as a general synonym for 'renew' or 'refresh' in non-technical writing.
- Incorrect stress: stressing the first syllable (/ˈriːkrɪs.../) instead of the second (/riːˈkrɪs.../).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Crystallize' means to form crystals for the first time from a solution or melt. 'Recrystallize' specifically means to dissolve existing crystals and form new ones (often purer), or for a solid's crystal structure to reform due to heat/pressure.
It is highly unlikely and would sound very technical. You would only use it if specifically discussing a scientific process like purifying a substance or explaining geology.
The noun is 'recrystallization' (or 'recrystallisation' in British spelling).
In chemistry, often yes. In geology and metallurgy, it refers to the growth of new crystal grains in a solid, which changes properties but doesn't necessarily purify.
To form crystals again, especially from a solution or molten state, often to purify a substance or change its physical structure.
Recrystallize is usually technical/scientific in register.
Recrystallize: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriːˈkrɪs.tə.laɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌriˈkrɪs.tə.laɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: RE + CRYSTAL + IZE. You make crystals (crystallize) once, then you do it again (re-).
Conceptual Metaphor
PURITY/ORDER IS CRYSTALLIZATION. Metaphorically: Reforming abstract structures (ideas, organizations) is like molecules rearranging into an ordered, pure crystal lattice.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'recrystallize' MOST commonly used?