congeal

[kuhn-jeel]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to change from a soft or fluid state to a rigid or solid state, as by cooling or freezing.

   The fat congealed on the top of the soup.

   Synonyms: solidify, jell, set, harden

2. to curdle; coagulate, as a fluid.

3. to make or become fixed, as ideas, sentiments, or principles.

   Some philosophic systems lost their vitality and congealed.

congeal

/ kənˈdʒiːl /

verb

1. to change or cause to change from a soft or fluid state to a firm or solid state

2. to form or cause to form into a coagulated mass; curdle; jell

3. (intr) (of ideas) to take shape or become fixed in form

Other Word Forms

• congealable adjective
• congealability noun
• congealableness noun
• congealedness noun
• congealer noun
• congealment noun
• half-congealed adjective
• noncongealing adjective
• uncongeal verb (used without object)
• uncongealable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of congeal¹

1350–1400; Middle English congelen (< Middle French congeler ) < Latin congelāre, equivalent to con- con- + gelāre to freeze; gelid

Word History and Origins

Origin of congeal¹

C14: from Old French congeler, from Latin congelāre, from com- together + gelāre to freeze

Example Sentences

Yet, Pitt can’t resist quirking up the character in ways that don’t totally congeal.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The paint congeals and my spray paint spits out; it doesn't flow smoothly because it's frozen.

Read more on BBC

Her white hospital bib, tucked into the collar of her grey jumper, is splattered with congealed blood.

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These protoplanetary disks slowly congealed into planets — so slowly, in fact, that astronomers speculated all of the protoplanetary disks that once existed have since blown away.

Read more on Salon

The chips were cold, the queso had congealed and the salad arrived limp and sad.

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Related Words

• curdle 
• thicken