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flocculate

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: //flɒk.jʊˈleɪt//

KK: /flɑkˈjuːleɪt/

intransitive verb
Definition

To come together to form clumps or fluffy masses, often used in the context of particles in a liquid.


Example

The particles began to flocculate, creating a cloudy mixture in the water.


Tense Forms

Past: flocculated

Past Participle: flocculated


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you notice how the mixture started to flocculate after we added the chemical?
Sloth B
Yeah, it looked really interesting as it formed those clumps.
Sloth A
I didn't expect it to flocculate so quickly, though.
Sloth B
Same here! It was quite a cool experiment.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
clump
aggregate
coalesce
Antonyms
dissolve
disperse
separate
noun
Definition

A substance that has formed into clumps or fluffy masses, often used in contexts like chemistry or environmental science.


Example

The flocculate in the water treatment process helps to remove impurities by forming larger particles.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you seen that science experiment where they make the water flocculate?
Sloth B
Yeah, it looks so cool when the particles come together!
Sloth A
I didn’t know flocculate was a real word until I watched it.
Sloth B
transitive verb
Definition

To cause small particles to clump together into larger masses or flakes.


Example

The scientist used a special chemical to flocculate the particles in the solution.


Tense Forms

Past: flocculated

Past Participle: flocculated


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever seen how certain materials flocculate when mixed with water?
Sloth B
Yeah, it’s fascinating! It creates such interesting textures.
Sloth A
I know, right? It's amazing how that process can change the appearance completely.
Root Explanation

Flocculate → It is formed from "floccus" (from Latin, meaning a tuft of wool or a small flake) and the suffix "-ate" (indicating a process or action). The word "flocculate" means to form into small clumps or flakes, resembling tufts of wool.

Memory Tip

Imagine tiny tufts of wool coming together to form clumps — that's what flocculate means, as it describes the process of forming small flakes or clusters.

Visually Confused Words
deflocculate
loculate
occultate
loculated
falculate
oculate
deflocculant
biloculate
Is this page helpful?
It’s interesting how science has such unique terms, isn’t it?

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
clump
lump
aggregate
Antonyms
disperse
scatter
dissolve
Sloth B
Exactly! It makes you appreciate the science behind everyday things.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
aggregate
clump
coalesce
Antonyms
disperse
dissolve
scatter