Coagulate: meaning, definitions and examples

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coagulate

 

[ koh-AG-yuh-leyt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

in chemistry

To change from a liquid to a thickened or solid state, typically by cooling or by the action of a chemical agent.

Synonyms

clot, curdle, solidify.

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Word Description / Examples
coagulate

This term is often used in scientific, medical, or technical contexts to describe the process of a liquid, especially blood, changing to a thickened or semi-solid state.

  • Blood will coagulate to stop bleeding.
  • The protein solution began to coagulate when heated.
solidify

Used to describe the process of something becoming solid or more firm, applicable in both literal and metaphorical senses. Often used in chemistry, cooking, or when discussing ideas/plans.

  • The lava will solidify when it cools.
  • They needed more time to solidify their business plan.
curdle

Typically used in culinary contexts to describe milk or other liquids turning into a thick, lumpy texture when spoiled or when exposed to acid or heat.

  • The milk started to curdle after sitting out all day.
  • Adding lemon juice to the cream caused it to curdle.
clot

Commonly used when referring to blood forming a thick lump, typically to stop bleeding. Can have a slightly negative connotation if related to health issues.

  • He cut his finger, and blood began to clot.
  • The doctor was concerned about the blood clot in her vein.

Examples of usage

  • The blood coagulates to form a clot.
  • The milk coagulates when lemon juice is added.
Context #2 | Verb

in cooking

To cause a liquid to become semi-solid or solid, typically by heating or by the addition of a thickening agent.

Synonyms

congeal, gel, thicken.

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Word Description / Examples
coagulate

Repeated word; see previous definition.

thicken

This term is used in everyday language to describe something becoming denser or more viscous, often related to cooking or liquids.

  • Add some flour to the sauce to help it thicken.
  • Over time, the paint started to thicken in the can.
congeal

This word is generally used to describe the process of a liquid becoming thick or solid over time, often used in everyday situations like food.

  • The soup was left to cool and began to congeal in the bowl.
  • After a few hours in the fridge, the gravy started to congeal.
gel

This is often used to describe the process of a substance setting into a semi-solid form, like in cooking or chemistry.

  • The pudding needs a few hours to gel for the best texture.
  • The chemical solution began to gel as it cooled down.

Examples of usage

  • The sauce will coagulate if you overheat it.
  • Egg yolks are used to coagulate the custard.
Context #3 | Verb

figuratively

To come together or form a mass or whole.

Synonyms

converge, solidify, unite.

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Word Description / Examples
coagulate

This term is often used in medical or scientific contexts when a liquid changes to a thick or solid state, especially blood. It implies a process that happens naturally or chemically.

  • After the injury, the blood began to coagulate to stop the bleeding
  • Milk will coagulate when it gets spoiled
unite

This term typically refers to bringing people, groups, or things together for a common purpose or cause. It is often used in social, political, or organizational contexts.

  • The leaders decided to unite their efforts to solve the crisis
  • The community will unite to rebuild the damaged church
solidify

This word is used when something becomes solid, either physically or metaphorically, often through a process of hardening or consolidation.

  • The molten lava will solidify once it cools down
  • Her resolve solidified after hearing the news
converge

Used when different entities or paths come together to meet at a single point, often involving ideas, routes, or groups. It is common in formal and informal contexts.

  • Our opinions finally converged after a long discussion
  • All the roads converge at the town square

Examples of usage

  • The community coagulated around a common goal.
  • Ideas began to coagulate in his mind.

Translations

Translations of the word "coagulate" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น coagular

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคœเคฎเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช gerinnen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ menggumpal

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะทะณะพั€ั‚ะฐั‚ะธัั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ krzepnฤ…ฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅ‡ๅ›บใ™ใ‚‹ (ใŽใ‚‡ใ†ใ“ใ™ใ‚‹)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท coaguler

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ coagular

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท pฤฑhtฤฑlaลŸmak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์‘๊ณ ๋˜๋‹ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูŠุชุฎุซุฑ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ srรกลพet se

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ zrรกลพaลฅ sa

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ‡ๅ›บ (nรญnggรน)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ strjevati se

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ storkna

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ าฑัŽ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒจแƒ”แƒ“แƒ”แƒ“แƒ”แƒ‘แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ laxtalanmaq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ coagular

Etymology

The word 'coagulate' comes from the Latin word 'coagulatus', which means 'to cause to curdle.' It has been used in English since the late 15th century, originally in the context of blood clotting. Over time, its usage expanded to include the solidification or thickening of liquids in various contexts.

See also: coagulant, coagulating, coagulation.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,270, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.