gel

[ jel ]

noun

1. Physical Chemistry. a semirigid colloidal dispersion of a solid with a liquid or gas, as jelly, glue, etc.
2. Theater. gelatin ( def 5 ).
3. Biochemistry. a semirigid polymer, as agarose, starch, cellulose acetate, or polyacrylamide, cast into slabs or cylinders for the electrophoretic separation of proteins and nucleic acids.

verb (used without object)

, gelled, gel·ling.

1. to form or become a gel.
2. jell ( def 2 ).

gel

/ dʒɛl /

noun

1. a semirigid jelly-like colloid in which a liquid is dispersed in a solid

   nondrip paint is a gel

2. See hair gel
3. informal.
   theatre See gelatine

verb

1. to become or cause to become a gel
2. a variant spelling of jell

Other Words From

• de·gel verb (used with object) degelled degelling
• non·gelling adjective
• re·gel verb (used without object) regelled regelling

Word History and Origins

Origin of gel¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; shortening of gelatin

Word History and Origins

Origin of gel¹

C19: by shortening from gelatine

Example Sentences

If it’s too warm, stick it in the fridge or wrap it in a frozen gel sleeve for 20 or 30 minutes.

From Washington Post

I use them to stash gels, lip balm, my phone, sunglasses, and dog treats—basically anything I may need to grab on the go.

From Outside Online

Yu believes future studies will help his team understand if the gel could be used for larger, outdoor fields.

From Science News For Students

The gel also should pose no risks if it washes into lakes or streams.

From Science News For Students

During an experiment, they compared radishes grown in sandy soil alone with radishes grown in sandy soil that had been mixed with the gel.

From Science News For Students

And lo, Snowballs—underpants which can hold a flexible gel pack that you store in the freezer—was born.

From The Daily Beast

Supplies of soap, bleach, or alcohol-based hand gel also were depleted.

From The Daily Beast

This isn't the typical high heels and hair gel style pool party rave Miami is famous for.

From The Daily Beast

Police found bulletproof vests, ammunition, and 14 explosive devices made of the water-gel Tovex.

From The Daily Beast

Of course, celebrities were appropriating Native American culture long before Harry Styles bought his first bottle of hair gel.

From The Daily Beast

You shall read it aloud to me, my gel—or, better still, I'll read it to you.

From Project Gutenberg

I'm a little gel stayin' with her now, and you—I want you to come back with me.

From Project Gutenberg

I'm soory fur the gel, but ef she had the locket, of course she tuk the locket.

From Project Gutenberg

Hugh, the gel's in the garden, she is sitting by the lily-pond and believes her heart is broken, but it isn't!

From Project Gutenberg

Excuse me, ma'am, but when you say I've done nothing for my gel here I suppose you'll allow I've kept her and educated her?

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• clot
• condense
• congeal
• curdle
• swell