solidification

Everyday

1. (science) The change of a liquid into a solid, such as water turning into ice or melted wax hardening. tree →
2. (figurative) Becoming firmer or more fixed, like plans or opinions. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons on states of matter, solidification is another word for freezing: the particles lose energy and lock into a fixed pattern. Lava's solidification makes igneous rocks; chocolate sets by solidification. Water freezes at 0 °C (32 °F).

Examples

• Solidification happens when water turns to ice. tree →
• The lava cooled, and solidification made new rock. tree →
• Melted chocolate sets by solidification in the fridge. tree →
• Freezing is another name for solidification. tree →
• The solidification of candle wax happens quickly as it cools. tree →
• After much talking, there was a solidification of the plan. tree →

Note

Uncountable; from «solidify» (y → i + -cation). Opposite: melting (liquefaction is a different word for becoming liquid). For water, solidification and melting both happen at 0 °C.