recrystallize

verb

re·​crys·​tal·​lize (ˌ)rē-ˈkri-stə-ˌlīz How to pronounce recrystallize (audio)
recrystallized; recrystallizing; recrystallizes

transitive + intransitive

: to crystallize again or repeatedly
In a second step, GE's long-established high-pressure technology … was used to dissolve and recrystallize a cluster [of tiny diamonds] into a single gem.Lapidary Journal
… the meteorite does show hints in some places of having melted and recrystallized, which could indicate more about the conditions under which it was knocked off from its parent body.Alexandra Witze
recrystallization noun
plural recrystallizations

Examples of recrystallize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The metal then recrystallizes but is weakened, with atoms shifted from their initial positions. Philip Ball, Scientific American, 16 May 2023 That solution can either recrystallize as calcium carbonate to fill the cracks or react with the pozzolanic components to strengthen the composite material. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 19 Apr. 2023 In other words, these small lime-clast chunks can react with water, post-mixing, to recrystallize as calcium carbonate, and fill cracks while reacting with the ash for further strength. Tim Newcomb, Popular Mechanics, 3 Feb. 2023 These shifts caused the gypsum minerals to dissolve and recrystallize over time. Alex Orlando, Discover Magazine, 23 Oct. 2019 Under their most pessimistic scenario, tungsten bricks will cyclically melt and recrystallize. Chris Lee, Ars Technica, 27 Oct. 2020 After burial, the minute shells may recrystallize or dissolve unless they are protected by mud that blocks the flow of water, and the ones that survive as fossils are highly valuable to paleontologists because of their unaltered biominerals. Anna K. Behrensmeyer, Smithsonian, 8 June 2019 The coccoliths in ancient chalk deposits like Dover’s cliffs have maintained their microscopic size, resisting the natural tendency of calcite to partially dissolve over time and recrystallize into larger clumps. Ars Technica, WIRED, 31 May 2011

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'recrystallize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1724, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of recrystallize was in 1724

Dictionary Entries Near recrystallize

Cite this Entry

“Recrystallize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recrystallize. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

recrystallize

verb
re·​crys·​tal·​lize (ˈ)rē-ˈkris-tə-ˌlīz How to pronounce recrystallize (audio)
: to form or cause to form crystals after being dissolved or melted
recrystallization noun

Medical Definition

recrystallize

verb
re·​crys·​tal·​lize
variants also British recrystallise
recrystallized also British recrystallised; recrystallizing also British recrystallising
: to crystallize again or repeatedly
recrystallization noun
also British recrystallisation
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