Meaning & use
clotted
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“clotted” is a form of “clot”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
adjectivebefore a noun
Formed into thick lumps, especially of blood or cream that has thickened.
Grammar: Used before a noun: clotted cream, clotted blood.
Patterns
- clotted cream
- clotted blood
We spread clotted cream on the scones.
The nurse cleaned the clotted blood from the wound.
Clotted cream is a traditional topping for afternoon tea.
verbtransitive or intransitive
Past tense and past participle of clot: to become thick and lumpy.
Grammar: Used after have/had or was/were: The blood had clotted.
Patterns
- blood clotted
- clotted in the veins
The blood clotted quickly after the cut.
The milk had clotted in the heat.
Common combinations
- clotted cream
- Clotted cream is thick and rich.
- clotted blood
- The doctor removed the clotted blood.
- clotted milk
- The clotted milk smelled sour.
Synonyms and how they differ
- coagulated
- More technical and often used for blood or other liquids that have thickened.
- curdled
- Used especially for milk or cream that has separated into lumps, often because it is sour.
Opposites
Word family
Practice
Which phrase is correct?
Choose one answer.
'Clotted cream' is the fixed name for the thick cream. 'Clotting cream' would describe cream that is in the process of thickening, not the product.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “clotted”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.