The spelling of the word "recrystallise" can seem confusing at first glance. However, it follows the typical British English spelling pattern of adding -ise to the end of a word to create a verb form. The sound of the word is best explained through its IPA transcription: /riːˈkrɪstəlaɪz/. This can be broken down into the sounds of "ree" for the first two syllables, "krist" for the next two, and "al-eyes" for the final two syllables.
Recrystallise is a verb that refers to the process of forming new and larger crystals from the reordering of existing crystal structures. It involves the transformation of a solid material into a well-defined crystal lattice formation through the application of heat or other external factors.
In recrystallisation, a solid substance, typically a metal or a compound, is dissolved in a suitable solvent or melted and then allowed to cool slowly or in a controlled manner. As the substance cools, its molecules or ions reorganize and come together to form new crystal structures, often with larger and more regular shapes than the original crystals.
This process is commonly used in various fields such as chemistry, geology, and material science to purify and refine substances, remove impurities, enhance their properties, or modify their physical form. It can help improve the clarity, strength, and uniformity of crystals, leading to better product quality and performance.
Recrystallisation is highly dependent on factors such as temperature, concentration, cooling rate, and presence of impurities. These factors can influence the growth and arrangement of the new crystals, thus affecting the overall outcome of the process.
Overall, recrystallise describes the method of transforming and reordering the crystals of a solid substance to achieve desired characteristics or enhance its purity, enabling its applications in various industries.
To crystallise a second time.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "recrystallize" derives from the combination of two Latin and Greek roots.
The first part, "re-", is a prefix of Latin origin meaning "again" or "back". It indicates repetition or restoration.
The second part, "crystallize", comes from the Greek word "krustallos". The term "krustallos" originally referred to ice, but later it came to signify "crystal".
Therefore, when we combine the "re-" prefix with "crystallize", we get "recrystallize", which means to form or cause to form again into crystals.