Liquefy: meaning, definitions and examples

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liquefy

 

[ˈlɪkwɪfaɪ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

chemistry

To make or become liquid, especially by heating.

Synonyms

dissolve, liquefaction, melt.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
liquefy

Used when turning a solid into a liquid, often through heat or pressure. Common in scientific and technical contexts.

  • The intense heat will liquefy the metals
  • The chef used a blender to liquefy the vegetables
melt

Generally used to describe the change of a solid into a liquid, especially when caused by heat. Common in everyday language.

  • The ice cream will melt if left out of the freezer
  • The candle began to melt, dripping wax onto the table
dissolve

Refers to a solid integrating into a liquid to form a solution, commonly used in everyday language as well as scientific contexts.

  • Sugar will dissolve in water
  • The salt started to dissolve when mixed into the soup
liquefaction

A noun mainly used in scientific contexts to describe the process of becoming liquid. Often used in geology and engineering.

  • The liquefaction of gases requires special equipment
  • During an earthquake, soil liquefaction can cause buildings to collapse

Examples of usage

  • The ice liquefied in the sun.
  • He liquefied the solid metal by applying heat.
  • The chemist used a special method to liquefy the gas.
Context #2 | Verb

general

To make or become liquid, usually referring to solids.

Synonyms

dissolve, liquefaction, melt.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
liquefy

Used to describe the process of turning a solid into a liquid, typically by heating. It is commonly used in scientific contexts.

  • The heat generated by the machine is enough to liquefy the plastic.
  • They had to liquefy the samples before beginning the next step of the experiment.
melt

Typically used to describe the process of a solid turning into a liquid due to heat. Commonly applied in everyday language.

  • The ice cream started to melt as soon as it was out of the freezer.
  • She likes to melt cheese over her nachos.
dissolve

Used when a solid is mixed into a liquid until it disappears. Can be applied in both everyday and scientific contexts.

  • You need to dissolve the sugar in hot water before adding the other ingredients.
  • The chemist dissolved the powder in a solution for the test.
liquefaction

Refers to the process of turning something into a liquid. Often used in geology and engineering rather than everyday conversation.

  • The earthquake led to the liquefaction of the sandy soil.
  • Scientists are studying the liquefaction processes of various materials.

Examples of usage

  • He liquefied the chocolate by microwaving it.
  • The candle liquefied in the heat of the room.
  • The sugar slowly liquefied in the hot tea.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'liquefacere', which means 'to make liquid'.
  • It was first used in English during the late 14th century, relating to the process of melting.
  • Related words include 'liquid', which also shares Latin origins, emphasizing the connection to fluids.

Science

  • Liquefaction is a phenomenon that can occur during earthquakes when saturated soil temporarily loses its strength, causing buildings to sink.
  • In cooking, ingredients like butter liquefy when heated, which is used in many recipes to create sauces.
  • Some materials, like metals, must be liquefied at very high temperatures before they can be molded or shaped.

Art and Culture

  • Artists use liquefaction techniques in sculpture, where solid blocks of material are melted or dissolved to create fluid forms.
  • In literature, the idea of liquefying emotions appears often, symbolizing how feelings can change and flow.
  • Modern dance sometimes incorporates the concept of liquidity to express fluid movements, representing transformation and change.

Technology

  • In food technology, liquefying fruits and vegetables is essential for creating juices and smoothies, making them easier to consume.
  • Advanced manufacturing processes often require materials to be liquefied for injection molding, creating complex shapes in production.
  • The medical field uses liquefaction in treatments, such as turning solid medications into a liquid form for easier ingestion.

Psychology

  • The concept of liquefying thoughts suggests flexibility in thinking, where rigid ideas can flow into more adaptable forms.
  • Psychologists often discuss the idea of emotional liquefaction, where intense feelings can transform and become more manageable over time.
  • In therapy, the process of addressing 'solid' issues can be seen as a liquefaction, allowing for new perspectives and solutions.

Translations

Translations of the word "liquefy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 liquefazer

🇮🇳 द्रवित करना

🇩🇪 verflüssigen

🇮🇩 mencairkan

🇺🇦 зріджувати

🇵🇱 upłynniać

🇯🇵 液化する

🇫🇷 liquéfier

🇪🇸 licuar

🇹🇷 sıvılaştırmak

🇰🇷 액화하다

🇸🇦 تسييل

🇨🇿 zkapalnit

🇸🇰 zkapalniť

🇨🇳 液化

🇸🇮 utečniti

🇮🇸 vökva

🇰🇿 сұйылту

🇬🇪 თხევადობა

🇦🇿 maye halına salmaq

🇲🇽 licuar

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,685 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.