congeal

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to become or cause something to become thick, semisolid, or solid, especially through cooling

   The sauce will congeal as it cools.

2. 2
   verb

   figuratively, to take on a fixed, rigid, or definite form

   Several complaints began to congeal into an organized campaign.

From Middle English congelen, through Old French congeler, from Latin congelare 'to freeze together,' formed from con- 'together, completely' + gelare 'to freeze.' The figurative sense developed from material becoming fixed or solid.

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