Verbs for Structural Changes

(of something in solid form) to turn into liquid form by being subjected to heat

Ice cubes melt quickly in warm water.

to become softer or liquid

After weeks of cold weather, the ground began to thaw, revealing patches of green grass beneath the snow.

to become gas or vapor from liquid

Water can evaporate when exposed to heat.

to convert a substance from a solid or liquid state into gas

The warm breeze vaporized the morning fog, revealing a clear and sunny day.

to make a substance one with a liquid

The pharmacist instructed him to dissolve the medication in water before taking it.

to transform from a liquid or flexible state into a stable, firm, or compact form

As the temperature dropped, the melted wax began to solidify, forming candles with a smooth surface.

to change from a solid state and become fluid or liquid

As the temperature rose, the snow on the ground started to liquefy.

to make a solution or mixture weaker or less concentrated by adding more liquid

To make it more palatable, you can dilute the juice with water.

to make something such as a law, suggestion, etc. less intense, complicated, or forceful, typically by removing or reducing certain parts of it

The initial draft of the bill aimed to impose strict environmental regulations, but it was watered down after pressure from industry lobbyists.

to trigger a process where microorganisms break down sugars in a substance, often creating alcohol or acids

The baker uses yeast to ferment the dough and make it rise.

to heat a liquid and turn it into gas then cool it and make it liquid again in order to purify it

The chemist is currently distilling the solution to isolate the pure compound.

any compound that contains water of crystallization

to remove water from a substance, often causing it to become dry

The air conditioning system was unintentionally dehydrating the indoor air.

to add carbon dioxide to something, often to make it fizzy or create a chemical change

You can carbonate water by adding carbon dioxide.

to combine with oxygen, often changing the appearance or properties of a material

Iron can oxidize when exposed to air and moisture, forming rust.

a red or brown oxide coating on iron or steel caused by the action of oxygen and moisture

to be gradually damaged or destroyed as a result of natural processes

Wood can decay if left untreated and exposed to moisture.

to become destroyed, often due to the action of bacteria or fungi over time

If not refrigerated, food can quickly rot.

to break down into simpler parts or substances

Organic matter can decompose into nutrient-rich soil.

to rot and produce a bad smell as organic matter breaks down over time

Without proper disposal, organic waste can putrefy and emit unpleasant odors.

to slowly fall apart or decay, often because of time or neglect

The old books in the attic are beginning to molder.