Amalgam: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Arabic 'al-malqa', meaning 'the merging' or 'the mixing'.
• It first appeared in English in the late 14th century, originally referring to a mixture of metals.
• The term evolved over time, linking to the idea of coming together or blending.

Science

• In chemistry, an amalgam is often a mixture of mercury with another metal, commonly used in dental fillings.
• The process of creating an amalgam involves heating metals until they're liquid and then combining them.
• Amalgams can exhibit unique properties, such as increased strength and resistance to corrosion.

Art

• Artists often use amalgamation techniques to blend different materials, creating innovative sculptures and installations.
• The notion of amalgam can metaphorically apply to art movements, where various styles and influences come together.
• Collage is a form of artistic amalgam, combining paper, photographs, and other materials into a single piece.

Cultural Significance

• In sociology, amalgamation refers to the blending of different cultures or communities to form a new cultural identity.
• The idea of amalgam has been used in discussions about multicultural societies and their interactions.
• Food fusion, where different culinary traditions are mixed, also embodies the concept of amalgamation.

Psychology

• In psychology, amalgams refer to how different experiences can blend in our memories, creating complex narratives.
• The amalgamation of emotions can impact decision-making, as people weigh feelings from various past experiences.
• Cognitive dissonance happens when someone holds conflicting ideas, creating a mental amalgam that leads to stress.

With rank #15,805, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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• 15802 tabled
• 15803 haphazard
• 15804 breech
• 15805 amalgam
• 15806 hemlock
• 15807 barbarism
• 15808 uric
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