isinglass
[ahy-zuh n-glas, -glahs, ahy-zing-]
- 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
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
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 BranchesEliza 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.
Particular care must be taken that the beer in which the isinglass is dissolved, be perfectly clear, and thoroughly stale.
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 materials used in fining are isinglass, white of egg or gelatine.
Manual of American Grape-GrowingU. P. Hedrick
isinglass
- a gelatine made from the air bladders of freshwater fish, used as a clarifying agent and adhesive
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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
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Word Origin and History for isinglass
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.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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.
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The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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