Pronunciation: [kˈɜːdə͡ld] (IPA) 
The word "curdled" is spelled with a silent "l," which indicates that the vowel before it is short. In IPA phonetic transcription, it can be written as /ˈkɜːrdl̩d/, with the long "e" sound in "kur" and the short "u" sound in "dled." The silent "l" comes after the "u," but it does not affect the pronunciation of the word. "Curdled" is an adjective that refers to milk or other liquids that have separated into solid curds and liquid whey.
Curdled is an adjective that describes a liquid or food product that has undergone a chemical process, resulting in the formation of lumps or clumps. It refers specifically to the coagulation or separation of proteins in a liquid, typically due to the presence of acid or the fermentation process.
When a liquid such as milk or cream curdles, it typically changes in texture and appearance. The once-smooth consistency becomes lumpy or grainy, and the color may darken. This transformation occurs when the proteins in the liquid gather together and form solid masses, called curds. As a result, the liquid may no longer flow freely and may instead exhibit a thicker, more clumpy behavior.
Curdling can occur in a variety of food and beverage products, such as dairy products like yogurt or cheese, as well as in certain alcoholic beverages and sauces. It can happen naturally as a part of the aging or fermentation process or as a result of exposure to heat or acid. In some cases, curdling can be intentional, particularly in the production of certain types of cheese or curdled milk products.
Overall, the term curdled is used to describe the physical and chemical transformation that occurs when a liquid or food product undergoes coagulation, resulting in the formation of lumps or clumps.
Coagulated; congealed.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "curdled" can be traced back to the Middle English verb "curdelen", which meant "to form curds". This verb derived from the Old English word "crudan", meaning "to press, bruise, or crush". The Old English word ultimately came from the Proto-Germanic word "kruttjaną", which roughly translates to "to clot". Interestingly, the Proto-Germanic root has parallels in other Germanic languages like Dutch "krudden" and German "quarren". Overall, the word "curdled" has its roots in Old English and has evolved over time to its current form.
