isinglass
Americannoun
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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.
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mica, especially in thin, translucent sheets.
noun
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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.
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Mica, especially in the form of the mineral muscovite.
Etymology
Origin of isinglass
1535–45; < Middle Dutch huysenblase (with glass for blase by folk etymology), literally, sturgeon bladder; cognate with German Hausenblase
Vocabulary lists containing isinglass
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Bentonite clay, gelatin, egg albumin from egg whites, purified milk proteins called casein and isinglass made from the bladders of sturgeons, are all used to filter the wine through a process called “fining.”
From National Geographic ● Jul. 20, 2023
Each flake of ancient paint was treated with a tiny drop of isinglass, a natural collagen obtained from the swim bladder of a sturgeon, which was applied, heated and pressed down to match the surface.
From New York Times ● Dec. 19, 2016
It is unlikely the swim bladder of fish would be on the list, but isinglass - a gelatine made using the organ - is in fact very likely to be in your average pint.
From BBC ● Sep. 14, 2016
"I think with the craft beer revolution more breweries aren't using isinglass," said Mr Bosworth.
From BBC ● Sep. 14, 2016
He kept the isinglass curtains snapped to the windows to cut off the draughts, and tight around his neck he wore his gray wool shawl.
From "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" by Carson McCullers
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
