Congealing: meaning, definitions and examples
❄️
congealing
[ kənˈdʒiː.lɪŋ ]
changing state
Congealing refers to the process by which a substance changes from a liquid state to a solid state. This often occurs when temperatures drop, causing the particles in the substance to slow down and form a more solid structure. Congealing is commonly observed in cooking, especially when fats or gels cool down. Additionally, the term can be used metaphorically to describe the hardening of ideas or emotions.
Synonyms
curdling, gelatinizing, solidifying, thickening.
Examples of usage
- The jelly is congealing in the fridge.
- Blood began congealing after the injury.
- As the sauce cools, it starts congealing into a thick paste.
Translations
Translations of the word "congealing" in other languages:
🇵🇹 solidificação
🇮🇳 जमना
🇩🇪 Gerinnung
🇮🇩 membeku
🇺🇦 згущення
🇵🇱 zestalanie
🇯🇵 凝固
🇫🇷 solidification
🇪🇸 solidificación
🇹🇷 katılaşma
🇰🇷 응고
🇸🇦 تصلب
🇨🇿 tuhnutí
🇸🇰 stuhnutie
🇨🇳 凝固
🇸🇮 strjevanje
🇮🇸 storknun
🇰🇿 қатаю
🇬🇪 გაგება
🇦🇿 sıxlaşma
🇲🇽 solidificación
Etymology
The word 'congeal' comes from the Latin term 'congelare', which means 'to freeze together'. Initially rooted in the concept of solidification through cold, the term evolved throughout Middle English as 'congealen' in the 14th century. During this period, the word began to encompass a broader range of meanings beyond freezing, including any transition from liquid to solid states. The modern use of 'congealing' can be found in culinary contexts, where it describes the cooling of liquids like gelatin or fats, leading to a firmer texture. Over time, the connotation of the term has also expanded to refer to emotional or conceptual hardening, allowing it to be used metaphorically in literature and discussions.