gelatin

American  

[jel-uh-tn] / ˈdʒɛl ə tn /

Or gelatine

noun

1. a nearly transparent, faintly yellow, odorless, and almost tasteless glutinous substance obtained by boiling in water the ligaments, bones, skin, etc., of animals, and forming the basis of jellies, glues, and the like.

2. any of various similar substances, as vegetable gelatin.

3. a preparation or product in which such an animal or vegetable substance is the essential constituent.

4. an edible jelly made of this substance.

5. Also called gelatin slide.  Theater. a thin sheet made of translucent gelatin colored with an aniline dye, placed over stage lights, and used as a color medium in obtaining lighting effects.

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gelatin Scientific  

/ jĕl′ə-tn /

1. An odorless, colorless protein substance obtained by boiling a mixture of water and the skin, bones, and tendons of animals. The preparation forms a gel when allowed to cool. It is used in foods, drugs, glue, and film.

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Etymology

Origin of gelatin

1790–1800; < French gélatine < Medieval Latin gelātina, equivalent to Latin gelāt ( us ) frozen, thickened, past participle of gelāre ( gel- freeze + -ātus -ate ¹ ) + -ina -in ²

Explanation

Gelatin is an edible thickener that's made from finely ground animal bones and tissue. It's gelatin that gives marshmallows and Jell-o their thick, gummy texture. While you're probably familiar with gelatin in gummy bears, candy corn, and other sweets, it's also commonly used in foods like cream cheese, low fat yogurt, and some Chinese dumplings. There are non-food uses for gelatin as well, including glue, medicine, sandpaper, and makeup. Gelatin isn't vegetarian — it's made from animal parts, including bones and connective tissue. Gelatin comes from the French gélatine, "jelly-like substance from animals," and its Latin root meaning "to congeal."

Example Sentences

"His moody, meticulously composed silver gelatin portraits shaped how audiences saw stars like Raj Kapoor, Nargis, Dev Anand, Meena Kumari and Dilip Kumar," the curatorial note says.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

The process relies on carefully controlled streams of thyme extract, gelatin, sodium alginate -- a commonly used thickening agent in the food industry -- and oil.

From Science Daily • Jan. 17, 2026

"The expectation is zero," said Alejandra Zarazua, who fears she will be evicted from her normal spot near the Azteca Stadium where she sells Mexican gelatin desserts.

From Barron's • Nov. 5, 2025

The gummies are made without animal gelatin and flavored with actual fruit juice concentrates, mango purée and additional natural flavors.

From Salon • Oct. 21, 2025

“They’re giving me my own lab. Meanwhile, don’t tell them, but I’m purchasing mass quantities of research supplies: sugar, gelatin, cornstarch and...jelly bean molds!”

From "The Smartest Kid in the Universe" by Chris Grabenstein

Related Words

• jelly
• marmalade