Definition

When something is thickened or clotted, often referring to liquids that have changed from a liquid state to a thicker, more solid state.

Example

The blood began to coagulate after the injury, forming a protective scab.

Conversation

Have you ever noticed how some sauces can coagulate if you leave them too long?

Yeah, it’s kind of gross when that happens.

I prefer my sauces smooth, not all coagulate like that.

Same here! It ruins the whole dish.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To change from a liquid to a thickened or solid state, often due to the action of heat or a chemical process.

Example

The blood will coagulate when it comes into contact with air.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you notice how the sauce started to coagulate after cooling down?

Yeah, it got really thick!

Exactly! I didn’t expect it to coagulate like that so quickly.

Definition

To make a liquid change into a thick or solid state, often by causing it to clump together.

Example

The chef used heat to coagulate the egg whites for the dish.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you know that certain proteins can coagulate when heated?

Really? I always thought that was just a kitchen myth.

Nope, it's true! When you cook eggs, they coagulate and become firm.

Root Explanation

Coagulate → It is formed from "co-" (meaning together) and "agere" (meaning to drive or to act). The word describes the process of substances coming together to form a solid or semi-solid mass.

Memory Tip

Think of things coming 'together' ('co-') to 'act' ('agere') as a solid mass — that's what coagulate means.

Visually Confused Words