liquefy

/'likwifai/
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liquefy

The chef watches the butter liquefy in the hot pan.

Definition
  1. Verb (transitive):

    • To cause a solid substance to become liquid, typically through the application of heat or pressure.
    • To make something fluid or less solid.
  2. Verb (intransitive):

    • To become liquid or fluid.
    • To change from a solid or gaseous state into a liquid state.
Usage and Examples
  • Transitive Verb (to make something liquid):

    • The intense heat will liquefy the metal.
    • The process liquefies natural gas for easier transport.
  • Intransitive Verb (to become liquid):

    • The ice cream began to liquefy in the sun.
    • Certain gases liquefy under high pressure.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
  • Scientific/Technical Context: Often used in chemistry, physics, and engineering to describe phase changes.
    • The researchers aim to liquefy hydrogen at a lower cost.
  • Figurative Use (less common): Can describe something becoming fluid or less rigid in form.
    • Her stern expression finally liquefied into a smile.
Variants and Related Words
  • Liquefaction (noun): The process of making or becoming liquid.
    • Soil liquefaction can occur during an earthquake.
  • Liquefiable (adjective): Capable of being liquefied.
    • Butter is a liquefiable fat.
Synonyms
  • Melt (for solids turning to liquid, usually due to heat).
  • Thaw (for frozen substances becoming liquid or soft).
  • Fluidify (to make fluid).
  • Dissolve (for a solid incorporating into a liquid to form a solution, which is a related but distinct process).
Antonyms
  • Solidify: To make or become hard or solid.
  • Freeze: To harden into ice or a solid from a liquid state.
  • Condense: To change from a gas or vapor to a liquid.
Phrasal Verbs / Common Collocations
  • Liquefy into: To change form and become a liquid.
    • The wax liquefied into a pool.
  • Liquefy by heating: To use heat to cause liquefaction.
    • The compound can be liquefied by heating it to 150°C.
Idioms

There are no common idioms that use the word "liquefy" as a core component. It is primarily a technical term.

liquefy

The chef watches the butter liquefy in the hot pan.

Verb
  1. become liquid or fluid when heated
    • the frozen fat liquefied
  2. make (a solid substance) liquid, as by heating
    • liquefy the silver
  3. become liquid
    • The garden air overnight liquefied into a morning dew