Word: coagulate (verb)

Associations

The word "coagulate" means to change from a liquid into a thickened or solid state, often by clumping together. It is often used in science, especially in biology and cooking.

• Blood coagulates to stop bleeding. This means blood changes from liquid to a gel-like state to form a clot.
• Milk can coagulate when it sours or when making cheese. The liquid milk thickens and forms curds.
• When you cook egg whites, they coagulate and become solid.

Synonym: "clot" is a close synonym, especially for blood. "Coagulate" is more formal and scientific, while "clot" is more common in everyday speech.

Substitution

Instead of "coagulate," you can say:

• "clot" (especially for blood)
• "thicken" (more general, not always solid)
• "curdle" (for milk or liquids turning solid or lumpy) Each word changes the meaning slightly. For example, "curdle" often means an unwanted or bad change, while "coagulate" is neutral or scientific.

Deconstruction

The root "coag-" comes from Latin "coagulare," meaning "to curdle" or "to clot."

• Prefix "co-" means "together"
• Root "agulare" relates to "curdling" or "clumping" So, "coagulate" literally means "to come together and form clumps."

Inquiry

• Can you think of situations where coagulation is helpful? (e.g., healing wounds)
• Have you seen milk or eggs coagulate while cooking? How did the texture change?
• Why do you think the body needs blood to coagulate? What would happen if it didn't?