curdling

/ˈkɜrdlɪŋ/
adjective
  1. Causing a liquid to separate into solid and liquid parts.
    • The curdling agent in the recipe is vinegar.
    • The curdling effect of the acid was immediate.
    • A curdling enzyme is used to make certain cheeses.
  2. Causing a feeling of horror or disgust (used in the phrase 'blood-curdling').
    • The movie had a blood-curdling scream that made everyone jump.
    • The story was so scary it was almost blood-curdling.
    • A blood-curdling howl came from the dark forest.
noun
  1. The process of a liquid, especially milk, separating into solid and liquid parts, often because it has gone sour or been mixed with an acid.
    • The smell of curdling cream filled the kitchen.
    • Cheese making relies on the curdling of milk to form curds.
    • The curdling of the milk happened quickly after she added lemon juice.
  2. A process in which something becomes thick, lumpy, or congealed, often in a way that is unpleasant or alarming.
    • The curdling of the paint made it impossible to use.
    • The curdling of the sauce ruined the recipe.
    • There was a curdling of the mixture when the temperature dropped too fast.
What does "curdling" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean