gelatin

noun

gel·​a·​tin ˈje-lə-tən 

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

: gel sense 2

Examples of gelatin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Bring mixture to boiling, over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve the gelatin. —Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Jan. 2025

Seeking Evolutionary Advantages The common opossum and giant pandas teeth were among the poorest performers, requiring the most pressure to pierce the gelatin. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 10 Jan. 2025

Seed cakes or bells, combinations of seeds held together by an edible gelatin, can also be used. —George Petras, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025

Whisk the softened gelatin into the boiling cream and whisk until dissolved. 12. —Angelica Stabile, Fox News, 16 Dec. 2024

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

Kids Definition

gelatin

noun

gel·​a·​tin

variants also gelatine

ˈjel-ət-ᵊn 

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

ˈjel-ət-ən 

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