isinglass

[ ahy-zuhn-glas, -glahs, ahy-zing- ]

/ ˈaɪ zənˌglæs, -ˌglɑs, ˈaɪ zɪŋ- /

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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.

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Origin of isinglass

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

Words nearby isinglass

Isidora, Isidore of Seville, Isidorus of Miletus, ISIL, Isin, isinglass, Isis, isit, Iskander Bey, Iskenderun, Iskur

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use isinglass in a sentence

Finish them by dipping a sponge into a size, made by boiling isinglass in water, and rub the wrong side.
The Ladies' Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness|Florence Hartley
Use good quality silk, and on this spread a solution of isinglass warmed.
Practical Mechanics for Boys|J. S. Zerbe
If you put too much water to the calves-feet, the jelly will never be firm, till it is boiled over again with more isinglass.
Domestic French Cookery, 4th ed.|Sulpice Baru
Dissolve two ounces of isinglass in a little hot water, and add it to the jelly just as it is beginning to boil.
Domestic French Cookery, 4th ed.|Sulpice Baru

Break it up, and to each pound allow a gill of water and an ounce of isinglass.
Domestic French Cookery, 4th ed.|Sulpice Baru

British Dictionary definitions for isinglass

isinglass

/ (ˈaɪzɪŋˌɡlɑːs) /

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

Scientific definitions for isinglass

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.