Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Congealed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🧊
Add to dictionary

congealed

[kənˈdʒild ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

physical state

Congealed describes a substance that has changed from a liquid to a solid state, often due to cooling or thickening. This process results in a firm or semi-solid texture, often seen in substances like fats or gels. For example, congealed blood refers to blood that has clotted and solidified. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe something that has become fixed or immobile.

Synonyms

coagulated, hardened, solidified, thickened.

Examples of usage

  • The chilled soup had congealed in the refrigerator.
  • The congealed grease made it difficult to clean the pan.
  • The blood congealed quickly after the injury.
  • The gelatin dessert had fully congealed by the time we served it.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In cooking, fats like gelatin or chocolate can congeal when cooled, creating a solid form that's easy to shape.
  • Blood also congeals through a process called coagulation, which helps stop bleeding by forming clots.

Art

  • Artists often use congealed mediums, like wax or paint, to create texture and depth in their artwork.
  • In sculpture, materials like bronze congeal when cooled, solidifying into permanent forms.

Food

  • Congealed foods are often associated with dishes like aspic, where gelatin creates a wobbly transparent form.
  • When gravy cools, it can congeal into a thick layer, which is sometimes desirable for flavor and texture in dishes.

Health

  • Some medical conditions can cause blood to congeal abnormally, leading to serious health issues like thrombosis.
  • Understanding how and why substances congeal helps in developing various health treatments, such as blood thinners.

Origin of 'congealed'

Main points about word origin

  • Originating from the Latin word 'congelare,' meaning 'to freeze together,' it highlights the transformation from liquid to solid.
  • The term has been used since the 14th century to describe the thickening of liquids, especially in cooking.

The word 'congealed' originates from the Latin 'congelare', which means 'to freeze or solidify'. This Latin root is composed of the prefix 'con-', meaning 'together', and 'gelare', which translates to 'freeze' or 'thaw'. It entered the English language in the late Middle Ages, reflecting the period's increasing interaction with scientific and culinary concepts. Initially, the term was primarily used in a literal sense to describe the freezing or solidifying of liquids. Over time, its use expanded to metaphorical contexts, encompassing ideas of rigidity or immobility beyond just physical states. Today, 'congealed' is commonly used in both scientific and everyday language, particularly in cooking and health contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,514, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.