One of those words missing from Webster 1913, congeal is a verb which is used to describe the change from a soft or fluid state to a hard or rigid state. In cooking, this often occurs through cooling or freezing. For example, to remove fat from stock or soup, refrigerate it; the fat will rise to the top and congeal, after which it can be easily spooned off and discarded.

Congealing can be less useful; think old milk that has soured and coagulateed. Ideas and opinions too can congeal into dogma, becoming fixed and unchangable.

Con*geal" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Congealed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Congealing.] [F. congeler, L. congelare, -gelatumn; con- + gelare to freeze, gelu frost. See Gelid.]

1.

To change from a fluid to a solid state by cold; to freeze.

A vapory deluge lies to snow congealed.
Thomson.

2.

To affect as if by freezing; to check the flow of, or cause to run cold; to chill.

As if with horror to congeal his blood.
Stirling.

 

© Webster 1913


Con*geal", v. i.

To grow hard, stiff, or thick, from cold or other causes; to become solid; to freeze; to cease to flow; to run cold; to be chilled.

Lest zeal, now melted . . .
Cool and congeal again to what it was.
Shak.

 

© Webster 1913

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