coalesce

American  

[koh-uh-les] / ˌkoʊ əˈlɛs /

verb (used without object)

coalesced, coalescing

1. to grow together or into one body.

   The two lakes coalesced into one.

   Synonyms:

   join , combine , unite

2. to unite so as to form one mass, community, etc..

   The various groups coalesced into a crowd.

   Synonyms:

   merge , blend , fuse , amalgamate , join , combine , unite

3. to blend or come together.

   Their ideas coalesced into one theory.

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verb (used with object)

coalesced, coalescing

1. to cause to unite in one body or mass.

coalesce British  

/ ˌkəʊəˈlɛs /

verb

1. (intr) to unite or come together in one body or mass; merge; fuse; blend

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Other Word Forms

• coalescence noun
• coalescent adjective
• noncoalescence noun
• noncoalescent adjective
• noncoalescing adjective
• uncoalescent adjective

Etymology

Origin of coalesce

First recorded in 1535–45; from Latin coalēscere, equivalent to co- co- + al- (stem of alere “to nourish, make grow”) + -escere -esce

Example Sentences

The fog coalesced around the summits, with sunset’s final rays transforming them into a gracefully undulating landscape of golden gauze.

From Los Angeles Times

It was for similar reasons that cardinals of different persuasions were thought to have coalesced around him at conclave.

From BBC

As the brokerage focused more on active investors, some coalesced into a kind of fan club for the company and its leader.

From The Wall Street Journal

Economists say Fed officials are coalescing around another rate cut due to continued concern about the health of the jobs market.

From MarketWatch

Congressional Republicans have not coalesced around a plan to protect the solvency of either program.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• consolidate
• fuse
• integrate
• unite