amalgamation

noun

amal·​gam·​ation ə-ˌmal-gə-ˈmā-shən 

1

a

: the action or process of uniting or merging two or more things : the action or process of amalgamating

an opportunity for the amalgamation of the two companies

b

: the state of being amalgamated

2

: the result of amalgamating : amalgam

Opera is an amalgamation of singing, acting, and stagecraft.

3

: merger

Did you know?

What is the difference between acculturation, assimilation, and amalgamation?

Acculturation is one of several forms of culture contact, and has a couple of closely related terms, including assimilation and amalgamation. Although all three of these words refer to changes due to contact between different cultures, there are notable differences between them. Acculturation is often tied to political conquest or expansion, and is applied to the process of change in beliefs or traditional practices that occurs when the cultural system of one group displaces that of another. Assimilation refers to the process through which individuals and groups of differing heritages acquire the basic habits, attitudes, and mode of life of an embracing culture. Amalgamation refers to a blending of cultures, rather than one group eliminating another (acculturation) or one group mixing itself into another (assimilation).

Synonyms

• admixture
• alloy
• amalgam
• blend
• cocktail
• combination
• composite
• compound
• conflation
• emulsion
• fusion
• intermixture
• meld
• mix
• mixture
• synthesis

Examples of amalgamation in a Sentence

an amalgamation of peat moss and vermiculite is a good medium for starting vegetable seedlings

Recent Examples on the Web

The character of Deborah is based on an amalgamation of female comedians, including Griffith, Rivers, Paula Poundstone and Betty White. —J Wortham, New York Times, 12 May 2024

That school’s website appears to be an amalgamation of Wayne State University, a public school in Detroit, and Pennsylvania State University. —Chris Quintana, The Courier-Journal, 9 May 2024

In the commercial, a hydraulic press, like the kind that crushes Skittles all day on TikTok, slowly descends onto a whole amalgamation of artistic endeavors. —Alex Cranz, The Verge, 8 May 2024

The star told La La Anthony during Vogue's official red carpet live stream that the dress was an amalgamation of three different Chanel couture dresses from the 1940s, 1950s and from a more recent 2020 collection. —Catherine Santino, Peoplemag, 6 May 2024

Finding the perfect Hayes — a character the author says was inspired by an amalgamation of men, including Prince Harry, Harry Styles and some of her exes — was crucial. —Cat Cardenas, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 May 2024

The Unexplained is a four-track amalgamation of tech house and bass house that’s steeped in a generally ravey late night vibe, which will surely work wel during the duo’s upcoming sets at festival’s including EDC Las Vegas, Hangout Fest, Ubbi Dubbi, The Concourse Project and Electric Forest. —Katie Bain, Billboard, 26 Apr. 2024

The scene is an amalgamation of a few historical events. —Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 20 Apr. 2024

Opting for quality audio and video gear for the most enhanced communication quality can help create a smooth amalgamation of both virtual and in-person attendees. —Yec, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin amalgamātiōn-, amalgamātiō "combining of a metal with mercury," from amalgamāre "to combine (a metal) with mercury, amalgamate" + Latin -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

First Known Use

1775, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

amalgamation

noun

amal·​gam·​ation ə-ˌmal-gə-ˈmā-shən 

1

a

: the act or process of amalgamating

made by the amalgamation of mercury with silver

b

: the state of being amalgamated

2

: a combination of different elements into a single body