Definition

To make a glassy substance turn into a crystalline form, which makes it hard and brittle.

Example

The heat from the furnace can devitrify the glass, changing its structure.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I read that they can devitrify glass to make it more durable.

Really? I didn't know that was a process.

Yeah, it changes the structure and makes it less prone to breaking.

That's fascinating! I wonder how they do it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Devitrify → It is formed from "de-" (meaning down or away) and "vitrum" (meaning glass). The word describes the process of removing the glassy quality from a substance, effectively turning it away from being glass-like.

Memory Tip

Think of 'removing' ('de-') the 'glass-like' quality ('vitrum') from a material — that's what devitrify means.

Visually Confused Words