congeal

verb

con·​geal kən-ˈjēl 

congealed; congealing; congeals

transitive verb

1

: to change from a fluid to a solid state by or as if by cold

The cold congealed the water into ice.

2

: to make viscid or curdled : coagulate

3

: to make rigid, fixed, or immobile

intransitive verb

: to become congealed : solidify

Oil congeals at cold temperatures.

congealment

kən-ˈjēl-mənt 

noun

Synonyms

• concrete
• firm (up)
• freeze
• harden
• indurate
• set
• solidify

Examples of congeal in a Sentence

The gravy began to congeal in the pan.

the surface of the pond congealed after several days of frigid temperatures

Recent Examples on the Web

For example, William of Auvergne, who served as bishop of Paris in the thirteenth century, described the need to convert fleeting passions such as love and joy into lasting dispositions—and to avoid allowing hate, pain, or anger to congeal similarly. —Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 25 Nov. 2024

The film dramatically recreates many terrifyingly visceral details of war: blood congealing on faces facing a campfire, birds devouring the eyes of a corpse, a woman walking into a fire that would consume her. —Joan MacDonald, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024

Some thunderstorms may initially develop separately from one another only to ultimately congeal and form powerful lines that deliver greater wind damage. —Mary Gilbert, CNN, 26 June 2024

Within hours of a jury finding Mr. Trump guilty last week, the anger congealed into demands for action. —Charlie Savage, New York Times, 5 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English congelen, from Middle French congeler, from Latin congelare, from com- + gelare to freeze — more at cold

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

congeal

verb

con·​geal kən-ˈjē(ə)l 

1

: to change from a fluid to a solid state by or as if by cold

2

: to make or become stiff, thick, or lumpy : coagulate

Medical Definition

congeal

transitive verb

con·​geal kən-ˈjē(ə)l 

1

: to change from a fluid to a solid state by or as if by cold

2

: to make viscid or curdled : coagulate

intransitive verb

: to become congealed