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isinglass

[ahy-zuh n-glas, -glahs, ahy-zing-]

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noun

a pure, transparent or translucent form of gelatin, obtained from the air bladders of certain fish, especially the sturgeon: used in glue and jellies and as a clarifying agent.

mica, especially in thin, translucent sheets.

Origin of isinglass

1535–45; < Middle Dutch huysenblase (with glass for blase by folk etymology), literally, sturgeon bladder; cognate with German Hausenblase

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for isinglass

Historical Examples of isinglass

Dissolve an ounce of isinglass in as much warm water as will cover it.
Directions for Cookery, in its Various Branches
Eliza Leslie
Then put it into a cask with a pound of sugar candy, six pounds of fine raisins, a pint of brandy, and two ounces of isinglass.
The Cook and Housekeeper's Complete and Universal Dictionary; Including a System of Modern Cookery, in all Its Various Branches,
Mary Eaton
Particular care must be taken that the beer in which the isinglass is dissolved, be perfectly clear, and thoroughly stale.
The Cook and Housekeeper's Complete and Universal Dictionary; Including a System of Modern Cookery, in all Its Various Branches,
Mary Eaton
Then put in a shaving or two of isinglass to clear it; let it boil a few minutes, and set it on the side of the fire to grow fine.
The Cook and Housekeeper's Complete and Universal Dictionary; Including a System of Modern Cookery, in all Its Various Branches,
Mary Eaton
The materials used in fining are isinglass, white of egg or gelatine.
Manual of American Grape-Growing
U. P. Hedrick

British Dictionary definitions for isinglass

isinglass

noun

a gelatine made from the air bladders of freshwater fish, used as a clarifying agent and adhesive

Word Origin for isinglass

C16: from Middle Dutch huysenblase, literally: sturgeon bladder; influenced by English glass

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 isinglass

n.

1520s, said to be perversion of Dutch huysenblas, literally "sturgeon bladder," from huysen "sturgeon" + blas "bladder;" so called because the substance was obtained from it.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper

isinglass in Science

isinglass

[ī′zən-glăs′, ī′zĭng-]

A transparent, almost pure gelatin prepared from the inner membrane of the swim bladder of the sturgeon and certain other fishes. It is used as an adhesive and a clarifying agent.

Mica, especially in the form of the mineral muscovite.

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