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.
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 Mike McNally: Amy was essentially … in a pile of blood that was beginning to congeal under her left side. Nikki Battiste, CBS News, 5 May 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near congeal

Cite this Entry

“Congeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/congeal. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!