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Crystallize

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(pronounced kris-tuh-lyz)  verb

Definition

1. to cause to form crystals or assume a crystalline structure.  2. to give a definite, specific, or real form to.

Other Forms

• Crystallization  (pronounced kris-tuh-ly-zay-shun)  noun

Main Example

• By now, you must have seen the stunning photographs of sea birds and other wildlife so heavily coated in oil that they resemble some bizarre, prehistoric creatures. [Visit The Huffington Post and AOL News for photos.] These dramatic pictures crystallize not only the staggering environmental damage and hit to wildlife as a result of the BP oil well accident, but also the utter irresponsibility of the company’s management in that it had never bothered to develop the necessary technology, equipment, and systematic procedures for forestalling and rapidly remedying such accidents, despite a similar but little talked about blowout involving a Pemex well in 1979 which leaked over 100 million gallons of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico.

Workplace Examples

• Yesterday was a disaster. No doubt our sloppy presentation at the conference crystallized the view throughout the industry that we are one disorganized, inept outfit.
• Forget what I said last month. My ideas at that time were still half-baked and uncrystallized. Now I see the issues much more clearly.

Other Examples

• this author saying: “Two movies that have impacted me immensely are ‘Lost Horizon’ -- the 1937 classic -- and ‘Burnt by the Sun’ -- winner of the best foreign film Oscar for 1995. They helped crystallize in me, respectively, very clear philosophies with regard to the root cause of the problems plaguing the world, and what ought to be the central tenet of any nation’s government.”
• before writing an email to help resolve a problem, first crystallizing your thoughts on the subject
• a CEO admonishing managers that their goals are still vague and need to be quickly crystallized and given a definite shape before moving forward
• the havoc wreaked by a single anthrax-laden letter addressed to Senator Daschle in November 2001 resulting in the crystallization of bioterrorism as the world’s newest and perhaps most dangerous weapon of terrorism

© 2010 V.J. Singal
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