coagulate
UK: /kəʊˈæɡ.jʊ.leɪt/ | US: /koʊˈæɡ.jə.leɪt/
vi. to change from a liquid to a thickened or solid state
vt. to cause (a liquid) to become thick or solid
The word "coagulate" originates from the Latin coagulare, meaning "to curdle or clot." It combines co- (together) and agere (to drive or act), reflecting the process of particles "driving together" to form a solid. The suffix -ate marks it as a verb. This logical progression—from "acting together" to "thickening"—captures the physical transformation vividly.
Blood begins to coagulate when exposed to air.
The chef used lemon juice to coagulate the milk into cheese.
Cold temperatures can cause oils to coagulate.
The substance will coagulate if left undisturbed.
Enzymes help coagulate proteins during digestion.