gelatin

noun

gel·​a·​tin ˈje-lə-tən How to pronounce gelatin (audio)
variants or less commonly gelatine
1
: glutinous material obtained from animal tissues by boiling
especially : a colloidal protein used as a food, in photography, and in medicine
2
a
: any of various substances (such as agar) resembling gelatin
b
: an edible jelly made with gelatin
3

Examples of gelatin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The Great Red Spot seems to wiggle like a bowl of gelatin over the 90-day period. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 11 Oct. 2024 In the scene, Lex tries her best not to make any sudden movements after realizing that Velociraptors are approaching — leading to the spoon of gelatin in her hand beginning to tremble wildly as the camera zooms in on her terrified face. Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 3 Oct. 2024 The black-and-white gelatin silver prints are presented on a modest scale that strikes the perfect balance between intimacy and immediacy. Shameekia Shantel Johnson, ARTnews.com, 7 Aug. 2024 Stir into lemon gelatin until slightly thickened; remove any unmelted ice. Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for gelatin 

Word History

Etymology

French gélatine edible jelly, gelatin, from Italian gelatina, from gelato, past participle of gelare to freeze, from Latin — more at cold

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gelatin was in 1800

Dictionary Entries Near gelatin

Cite this Entry

“Gelatin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gelatin. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

gelatin

noun
gel·​a·​tin
variants also gelatine
1
: gummy or sticky protein obtained by boiling animal tissues and used as food, in photography, and in medicine
2
: an edible jelly formed with gelatin
3
: a thin colored transparent sheet used to color a stage light

Medical Definition

gelatin

noun
gel·​a·​tin
variants also gelatine
1
: glutinous material obtained from animal tissues by boiling
especially : a colloidal protein used as a food, in photography, and in medicine
2
a
: any of various substances (as agar) resembling gelatin
b
: an edible jelly made with gelatin

More from Merriam-Webster on gelatin

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