Crystallize
To form into a clear, regular crystal structure — and, metaphorically, for a vague idea or feeling to suddenly become sharp and definite.
Origin
Crystallization is a phase transition: a solution above its saturation point will, given the right conditions, start dropping out solid crystals in a regular lattice. The process can be slow and dramatic — beautifully formed sugar crystals in rock candy, salt flats, mineral caves — or extremely fast under shock. The conditions matter: dust, scratches in glass, a single seed crystal can kick off the whole process.
Modern usage
Common in writing and thinking metaphors: 'his ideas finally crystallized,' 'a moment crystallized everything I'd been feeling.' The verb cleanly captures 'vague to definite, all at once' in a way 'clarify' and 'realize' don't.
In the wild
The plan crystallized over coffee.— common usage
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