coagulant
UK: kəʊˈæɡjʊlənt | US: koʊˈæɡjʊlənt
n. a substance that causes a liquid to coagulate or thicken into a semi-solid or solid state.
coagulant = coagul<clot, thicken> + ant<agent suffix>
- coagul: From Latin coagulare ("to cause to clot"), derived from coagulum ("clot, rennet"). The root implies binding or thickening.
- ant: A suffix of Latin origin (-antem) indicating an agent or substance that performs an action (e.g., "lubricant," "disinfectant").
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin coagulum, referring to curdled milk or clotted blood. Over time, coagulare evolved into Old French coaguler, entering English in the 17th century as "coagulate." The suffix -ant was later added to denote substances that induce coagulation, reflecting its scientific and medical applications (e.g., blood clotting agents, water treatment chemicals).
Calcium chloride is a common coagulant used in cheese production.
The lab tested various coagulants to determine their effectiveness in purifying wastewater.
Hemostatic coagulants are critical in surgical procedures to control bleeding.
Alum acts as a coagulant in water treatment by binding suspended particles.
Without a proper coagulant, the liquid latex would remain too thin for molding.