amalgamate
UK: əˈmælɡəmeɪt | US: əˈmælɡəmeɪt
vt. to combine or unite into a single entity
vt. to alloy (a metal) with mercury
vi. to merge or blend together
amalgamate = amalgam<alloy> + ate<verb suffix>
- amalgam <alloy>: From Medieval Latin amalgama, meaning "a soft mass," especially an alloy of mercury with another metal.
- ate <verb suffix>: A suffix forming verbs meaning "to make" or "to act."
Etymology Origin:
The word amalgamate originates from the noun amalgam, which referred historically to an alloy of mercury with another metal (e.g., silver or gold). The suffix -ate was added to form the verb, extending the meaning to the process of combining or merging substances—later generalized to any union or blending of elements. The logic reflects the physical process of metals dissolving into mercury, symbolizing seamless integration.
The two companies decided to amalgamate their resources for greater efficiency.
Dentists once used amalgamated metals to fill cavities.
Over time, the cultures began to amalgamate, creating a unique hybrid tradition.
The committee voted to amalgamate the smaller departments into one unified division.
In chemistry, some metals can amalgamate with mercury at room temperature.