Congealment Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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congealment
[kənˈdʒiːlmənt ]
Definitions
in chemistry
The process of solidifying or becoming solid, especially as a result of cooling.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| congealment |
Use this term to describe the process of a liquid becoming thick or solid due to cooling or freezing. It's often used in culinary contexts, such as when fat hardens after cooling.
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| solidification |
Solidification broadly refers to the process of becoming solid, typically used in contexts like material science, metallurgy, and general descriptions of substances changing from liquid to solid.
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| coagulation |
This term is more scientific and usually references the process of blood clotting or the transformation of a liquid into a thicker or solid state due to chemical action.
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Examples of usage
- The congealment of the liquid metal into a solid form.
- The congealment of the mixture after it was left to cool.
figurative
The act of becoming rigid, fixed, or immobile.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| congealment |
Used primarily in a scientific or medical context to describe the process of a liquid becoming solid or semi-solid, especially through cooling or loss of moisture.
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| solidifying |
Applicable in both everyday and scientific language to describe the act of making something more solid or firm, whether it be a physical substance or an abstract concept. It often implies a deliberate process.
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| stiffening |
Often used in a physical context to describe something becoming rigid or less flexible. This term may also carry a negative connotation when discussing bodily parts or structures losing flexibility.
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Examples of usage
- The congealment of ideas in her mind.
- The congealment of bureaucracy can hinder progress.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In chemistry, congealment can refer to the process where fats and oils cool and solidify, like butter or chocolate.
- When blood congeals, it becomes thicker to help stop bleeding, showcasing a natural biological function.
Culinary Arts
- In cooking, congealment is important in dishes like jellies or puddings which need to thicken properly to hold their shape.
- Some soups or gravies need to congeal slightly when cooled to enhance flavor and texture.
Art
- Artists sometimes explore the concept of congealment through sculptures, where liquid materials are shaped and left to solidify.
- The freezing or congealment of paint can create unique textures and effects in modern art techniques.
Cultural Practices
- Certain cultures have traditional dishes that rely on congealment for texture, like aspic in French cuisine, made from gelatin.
- Congealment is often seen in some festive foods, where liquids are intentionally thickened for presentations.
Origin of 'congealment'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'congelare', meaning 'to freeze together'.
- Congealment first appeared in English in the 15th century, reflecting its roots in cooling processes.
The word 'congealment' originated from the Middle English word 'congelen', which came from the Latin word 'congelare', meaning 'to freeze together'. The concept of congealment has been observed in various contexts throughout history, from the solidification of liquids to the metaphorical stiffening of ideas and systems.
See also: congeal.