Amalgamation is the combination or the action of combining several things to create a whole. It's sort of a synthesis of ideas. At least, that's how I define it. It's one of my favorite words at the moment. :)
@XXjoeyXX, No problem. I'm not even sure why I like it. Phonetically, it's just very very pleasing to say for me. I love the a and g sounds. I'm sure my favorite word will switch soon though.