[W/K] :: Crystallization

  Crystallization \Crys`tal*li*za"tion\
     (kr[i^]s`tal*l[i^]*z[=a]"sh[u^]n), n. [Cf. F.
     cristallization.]
     1. (Chem. & Min.) The act or process by which a substance in
        solidifying assumes the form and structure of a crystal,
        or becomes crystallized; the formation of crystals.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. The body formed by crystallizing; as, silver on
        precipitation forms arborescent crystallizations.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: The systems of crystallization are the several classes
           to which the forms are mathematically referable. They
           are most simply described according to the relative
           lengths and inclinations of certain assumed lines
           called axes; but the real distinction is the degree of
           symmetry characterizing them. 1. The Isometric
           system, or The Monometric system has the axes all
           equal, as in the cube, octahedron, etc. 2. The
           Tetragonal system, or The Dimetric system has a
           varying vertical axis, while the lateral are equal, as
           in the right square prism. 3. The Orthorhombic
           system, or The Trimetric system has the three axes
           unequal, as in the rectangular and rhombic prism. In
           this system, the lateral axes are called, respectively,
           macrodiagonal and brachydiagonal. -- The preceding are
           erect forms, the axes intersecting at right angles. The
           following are oblique. 4. The Monoclinic system,
           having one of the intersections oblique, as in the
           oblique rhombic prism. In this system, the lateral axes
           are called respectively, clinodiagonal and
           orthodiagonal. 5. The Triclinic system, having all
           the three intersections oblique, as in the oblique
           rhomboidal prism. There is also: 6. The Hexagonal
           system (one division of which is called Rhombohedral),
           in which there are three equal lateral axes, and a
           vertical axis of variable length, as in the hexagonal
           prism and the rhombohedron.
           [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: The Diclinic system, sometimes recognized, with two
           oblique intersections, is only a variety of the
           Triclinic.
           [1913 Webster]

  crystallization
       n 1: the formation of crystals [syn: crystallisation, crystallizing]
       2: a rock formed by the solidification of a substance; has
          regularly repeating internal structure; external plane
          faces [syn: crystal]
       3: a mental synthesis that becomes fixed or concrete by a
          process resembling crystal formation