congeal

verb

con·​geal kən-ˈjēl How to pronounce congeal (audio)
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 noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While the rest of Burning Man celebrated, Kruglov lay prostrate on the ground at a faraway campsite in a comparatively desolate section of Black Rock City, his throat slashed, as a puddle of blood congealed around his lifeless body. Denver Nicks, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2025 Might the thrill of their ambition congeal into something like obligation? Jack Lang, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025 From above, viewers can observe globules of a strange black fluid congealing, popping, and morphing unexpectedly inside of it. Christy Lange, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2025 There was external pressure to shake up the Avs’ DNA after a third-straight early exit from the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but Joe Sakic and Chris MacFarland felt this group — transformed dramatically throughout last season with little time to congeal before the playoffs — deserved another chance. Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 15 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for congeal

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of congeal was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Congeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/congeal. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

congeal

verb
con·​geal kən-ˈjē(ə)l How to pronounce congeal (audio)
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 How to pronounce congeal (audio)
1
: to change from a fluid to a solid state by or as if by cold
2
: to make viscid or curdled : coagulate

More from Merriam-Webster on congeal

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