Amalgam is a mixture or blend of different substances, often used in various fields such as chemistry and dentistry. In dentistry, dental amalgam is a common material made from a combination of metals, including silver, tin, copper, and mercury. It is primarily used for filling cavities due to its durability and resistance to wear. In a broader context, amalgamation can refer to the process of combining two or more entities into one. This can occur in business, where companies merge to form a single organization, or in cultural contexts, where different traditions or practices blend together to create something new.