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Liquefying Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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liquefying

[ˈlɪkwɪfaɪɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

chemistry

To become liquid by heating; to melt.

Synonyms

dissolving, melting, thawing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
liquefying

Used when turning a solid into a liquid, often through heat or pressure.

  • The process of liquefying natural gas requires intense pressure and cooling
  • To make the sauce smooth, the chef focuses on liquefying the butter
melting

Describes the process of a solid turning into a liquid due to heat.

  • Ice melting in the sun is a common sight during summer
  • The grating heat was responsible for melting the wax
dissolving

Commonly used when a solid is mixed into a liquid and becomes part of it, typically in solutions.

  • Sugar dissolving in tea happens quickly
  • The scientists observed sodium chloride dissolving in water
thawing

Specifically refers to the process of something frozen becoming less frozen and more liquid or soft, usually by exposure to air or heat.

  • The frozen steak is thawing on the kitchen counter
  • After a long winter, the ground is finally thawing

Examples of usage

  • The solid ice started liquefying as soon as it was exposed to the sun.
  • After a few minutes in the microwave, the chocolate began liquefying into a smooth liquid.
  • The heat caused the candle wax to start liquefying and dripping down the sides of the candle.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Liquefaction is a process where solid materials behave like a liquid, often in response to shaking or pressure.
  • It commonly occurs in soils during earthquakes, leading to ground instability.
  • In food science, liquefying can refer to processes like melting and blending, essential in cooking and food preparation.

Everyday Life

  • Common examples include ice melting into water or butter melting when heated.
  • In the kitchen, a blender liquefies fruits and vegetables for smoothies or soups.
  • The process is crucial in industries like chocolate making, where solid cacao needs to be liquefied for molding.

Psychology

  • The act of liquefying can be metaphorically related to emotional states, where rigid feelings may become fluid with reflection or conversation.
  • People often find it easier to communicate when feelings are expressed fluidly, much like turning solid thoughts into liquid ones.
  • Art therapy sometimes involves liquefying emotions through creative expression, leading to healing and insights.

Environmental Science

  • In the context of climate change, increased temperatures lead to the liquefying of glaciers, contributing to rising sea levels.
  • Hydraulic fracturing, or 'fracking', involves liquefying substances deep underground to extract natural gases.
  • Marine ecosystems are currently facing challenges as polar ice liquefies, affecting climate patterns and animal habitats.

Origin of 'liquefying'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'liquefacere' which means 'to make liquid'.
  • The prefix 'liqu-' is related to 'liquid', indicating the state of matter.
  • The suffix '-fying' implies a process, highlighting the transformation aspect of the word.

The word 'liquefying' comes from the Latin word 'liquere' meaning 'to be liquid' and the suffix '-fy' which means 'to make or become'. The process of liquefying has been observed and utilized by humans for centuries, from melting metals to transforming solid substances into liquid form. Understanding the properties of liquefaction has played a significant role in various fields such as chemistry, physics, and materials science.

See also: liquefaction, liquefied.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,474 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.