isinglass

noun

isin·​glass ˈī-zᵊn-ˌglas How to pronounce isinglass (audio)
ˈī-ziŋ-
1
: a semitransparent whitish very pure gelatin prepared from the air bladders of fishes (such as sturgeons) and used especially as a clarifying agent and in jellies and glue
2
: mica especially when in thin transparent sheets
especially : muscovite sense 2

Examples of isinglass in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Occasionally, bottles are fined, or clarified, with animal products like egg whites, milk casein or isinglass, which comes from fish. New York Times, 15 Jan. 2021 The paper was made of cloth, sometimes silk and isinglass, which is somewhat see-through and made from fish air bladders. Jonah Estess, The Conversation, 29 Aug. 2019 Langton said Norwegians have a long history of woodcarving as a way to express themselves during the long winters that kept them in dark cabins, many of which did not have windows until the invention of isinglass in the 1600s. Brian E. Clark, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 22 Dec. 2017 The fish were utilized for caviar, isinglass and even as fuel for steamships, according to reports. Paul A. Smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'isinglass.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

probably by folk etymology from obsolete Dutch huizenblas, from Middle Dutch huusblase, from huus sturgeon + blase bladder

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of isinglass was in 1535

Dictionary Entries Near isinglass

Cite this Entry

“Isinglass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/isinglass. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

isinglass

noun
isin·​glass ˈiz-ᵊn-ˌglas How to pronounce isinglass (audio)
ˈī-ziŋ-
: mica in thin sheets

Medical Definition

isinglass

noun
1
: a semitransparent whitish very pure gelatin prepared from the air bladders of fishes (as sturgeons) and used especially as a clarifying agent and in jellies and glue

called also ichthyocolla

2
: mica
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