Liquefy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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liquefy

[หˆlษชkwษชfaษช ]

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.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'liquefy'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'liquefy' originated from the Latin word 'liquฤ“facere', which is a combination of 'liquฤ“re' meaning 'to be liquid' and 'facere' meaning 'to make'. It entered the English language in the late 16th century. The concept of liquefaction has been important in various fields such as chemistry and physics, where substances change state from solid to liquid.


See also: liquefiable, liquidate, liquidation, liquidator, liquidity, liquidized, liquidizer, liquids.

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.