Definition

To combine a substance with hydrogen, often to change its chemical structure, such as turning liquid oils into solid fats.

Example

The process to hydrogenate vegetable oils makes them more stable for cooking.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you ever heard about how they hydrogenate oils to make margarine?

Yeah, I think it changes the texture and makes it spreadable.

Exactly! It's interesting how that process can turn liquid oil into a solid fat.

Right, and it also affects the flavor and shelf life of the product.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hydrogenate → It is formed from "hydro-" (from Greek "hydor", meaning water) and "-gen" (from Greek "genes", meaning born of or produced by). The word refers to the process of adding hydrogen to a substance, often in the context of chemical reactions involving water or organic compounds.

Memory Tip

Think of 'water' ('hydro-') being 'produced' ('-gen') in a chemical process — that's why hydrogenate means to add hydrogen.

Visually Confused Words