Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

gelatin

or gel·a·tine

[jel-uh-tn]
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.
Show More

Origin of gelatin

1790–1800; < French gélatine < Medieval Latin gelātina, equivalent to Latin gelāt(us) frozen, thickened, past participle of gelāre (gel- freeze + -ātus -ate1) + -ina -in2
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for gelatine

Historical Examples

  • How is gelatine prepared when it is to be used for desserts?

    Woman's Institute Library of Cookery, Vol. 4

    Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences

  • Add the gelatine, which by this time should be commencing to solidify.

    Woman's Institute Library of Cookery, Vol. 4

    Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences

  • Add the sugar; stir over the fire until the gelatine is dissolved.

    The Skilful Cook

    Mary Harrison

  • Then stir over the fire until the gelatine is quite dissolved.

    The Skilful Cook

    Mary Harrison

  • Add the cream and gelatine to the apple pulp, and beat all well together.

    The Skilful Cook

    Mary Harrison

British Dictionary definitions for gelatine

gelatine

gelatin (ˈdʒɛlətɪn)

noun
  1. a colourless or yellowish water-soluble protein prepared by boiling animal hides and bones: used in foods, glue, photographic emulsions, etc
  2. an edible jelly made of this substance, sweetened and flavoured
  3. any of various substances that resemble gelatine
  4. Also called (informal): gel a translucent substance used for colour effects in theatrical lighting
Show More

Word Origin

C19: from French gélatine, from Medieval Latin gelātina, from Latin gelāre to freeze
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for gelatine

n.

1713, from French gélatine (17c.) "clear jelly-like substance, fish broth," from Italian gelatina, from gelata "jelly," from gelare "to jell," from Latin gelare "to freeze" (see cold (adj.)), + chemical suffix -ine (2). Spelling without the final -e is from 1800. "The form without final -e is in scientific (or pseudo-scientific) use only ..." [Fowler].

Show More

gelatin

n.

see gelatine.

Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
gelatine in Medicine

gelatin

n.
  1. A derived protein formed by boiling collagen of animal tissues.
Show More
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
gelatine in Science

gelatin

[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.
Show More
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.