liquefy

English

Etymology

Middle English liquefien, from Anglo-Norman liquefier, from Latin liquefacere.

Alternative forms

• liquify

Verb

liquefy (third-person singular simple present liquefies, present participle liquefying, simple past and past participle liquefied)

1. (physics, chemistry) To make into a liquid, either by condensing a gas or by melting a solid.
   • 1878 March 12, Gaston Tissandier, Liquefaction of Gases, article in Popular Science Monthly,

     Faraday succeeded in liquefying a certain number of gases by compression and refrigeration, but there still remained a number that proved absolutely refractory to the most powerful agencies; hence these gases were called permanent. […] A retired manufacturer, who at the same time is a distinguished man of science, M. Cailletet, has subdued the permanent gases, having succeeded in liquefying and solidifying them.

2. (cooking) To make into a liquid by mashing, such as by using a blender.
   • 2007, May Jideofo, Ukwa (Breadfruit Beans), recipe in Healthier Alternatives: Low Saturated Fat African Cooking and Recipes, page 38,

     Place crayfish and fresh pepper in a blender, add small water, liquefy and cook for 20 minutes or until tender.

Synonyms

• (make liquid from gas): condense
• (make liquid from solid): melt

Related terms

• liquidate
• liquidise

Translations

make into a liquid

Finnish: nesteyttää (fi) French: liquéfier (fr)

German: verflüssigen (de) Spanish: licuar (es)

See also

• freeze
• solidify
• vaporize