Tools: Learn New Words | Secure Password Generator | Startup Tools | PDF Generator

Agglutination (Noun)

The building of words from component morphemes that retain their form and meaning in the process of combining.

Nouns denoting natural processes.

Turkish and Finnish are well-known examples of languages that make extensive use of agglutination in forming complex words.
Agglutination allows languages to convey subtle shades of meaning with a relatively small set of root morphemes.
The English word "antidisestablishmentarianism" is a famous example of agglutination in English, formed by the combination of multiple prefixes, roots, and suffixes.
Japanese, another language that heavily employs agglutination, combines Chinese characters and grammatical elements to convey nuanced meaning.
Many Native American languages also exhibit complex agglutination, resulting in extremely long words with rich meaning and precision.

A clumping of bacteria or red cells when held together by antibodies (agglutinins).

Nouns denoting natural processes.

The coalescing of small particles that are suspended in solution; these larger masses are then (usually) precipitated.

Nouns denoting natural processes.

Agglutination occurs when blood types are mixed, causing the red blood cells to clump together and form visible masses.
The addition of the polymer caused rapid agglutination of the bacteria in the solution, making them easier to filter out.
The scientist observed the agglutination of particles under the microscope, noting how the clusters formed and then sank to the bottom of the dish.
In wastewater treatment, coagulants are added to promote agglutination of contaminants, making them easier to remove.
Agglutination tests are commonly used to identify unknown antigens, by mixing the unknown sample with known antibodies and observing for the characteristic clumping.