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 Hong, a professor in Yonsei University’s Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, worked with colleagues to grow beef cells inside of rice grains coated in fish gelatin and familiar food-grade enzymes. Kelly Kasulis Cho, Washington Post, 27 Feb. 2024 The show includes platinum palladium prints, some in a special large format, as well as rare vintage silver gelatin photographs that are not for sale. Christian House, CNN, 7 Feb. 2024 Uncover and invert the slab of coffee gelatin onto a cutting board. Bonnie S. Benwick, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 Pink Stuff isn't the only version of this fruity gelatin creation. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 14 Nov. 2023 Make Cake batter: Stir together flour, gelatin, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 23 Feb. 2024 For years, Chinese companies and their contractors have been slaughtering millions of donkeys across Africa, coveting gelatin from the animals’ hides that is processed into traditional medicines, popular sweets and beauty products in China. Siyi Zhao, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2024 Whisk together cold water and gelatin in a small bowl until dissolved; set aside. Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 13 Feb. 2024 Sprinkle gelatin over strawberry liquid and let soften 1 minute. Adriene Rathbun, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gelatin.' 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

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 19 Mar. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!