the world > matter > constitution of matter > density or solidity > state of being thick enough to retain form > give consistency to [verb (transitive)] > make stiff or hard in consistency or set (3)
To render stiff in consistency; to thicken, coagulate.
transitive. To clag, cause to cling, render stiff.
To cause to become firm, hard, or rigid in consistency; to curdle, coagulate (milk, etc.). Also, to cause (paper web) to become partly dry.