What is the meaning of the term "amalgamate"?

The term "amalgamate" refers to the act of combining two or more elements into a single, unified whole. It is often used in contexts such as business mergers, where separate companies come together to form one entity, or in chemistry, where different substances mix to create a new compound. The essence of amalgamation lies in the merging process, emphasizing unity and integration.

In contrast, the other options focus on different actions. The first option deals with simplification, while the third is about analysis and evaluation, and the last option refers to significant alteration. However, these do not capture the core meaning of amalgamation, which is inherently about bringing together rather than analyzing, changing, or simplifying.