liquefy

English

Alternative forms

• liquify

Etymology

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

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈlɪ.kwɪ.faɪ/, enPR: lĭʹkwĭ-fī

• Audio (Southern England)

  (file)

Verb

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

1. (transitive) To make into a liquid.

   We'll liquefy this rock by heating it in a furnace until it melts and flows out.

   • 1878 March 12, Gaston Tissandier, “Liquefaction of Gases”, 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.

   • 2007, May Jideofo, Healthier Alternatives: Low Saturated Fat African Cooking and Recipes‎, Ukwa (Breadfruit Beans), page 38:

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

2. (intransitive) To become liquid.

   The substance liquefied upon heating.

3. (image manipulation, especially Adobe Photoshop, transitive) To distort and warp an image.

Synonyms

• (to make liquid): liquidize, melt, liquidate (obsolete)

Antonyms

• (antonym(s) of "to make liquid"): condense, freeze, solidify

Coordinate terms

• (to make liquid): vaporize

Translations

See also

• solidify