isinglass

[ ahy-zuhn-glas, -glahs, ahy-zing- ]

noun

1. 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.
2. mica, especially in thin, translucent sheets.

isinglass

/ ˈaɪzɪŋˌɡlɑːs /

noun

1. a gelatine made from the air bladders of freshwater fish, used as a clarifying agent and adhesive

isinglass

/ ī′zən-glăs′,ī′zĭng- /

1. 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.
2. Mica, especially in the form of the mineral muscovite.

Word History and Origins

Origin of isinglass¹

1535–45; < Middle Dutch huysenblase (with glass for blase by folk etymology), literally, sturgeon bladder; cognate with German Hausenblase

Word History and Origins

Origin of isinglass¹

C16: from Middle Dutch huysenblase , literally: sturgeon bladder; influenced by English glass

Example Sentences

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

Occasionally, bottles are fined, or clarified, with animal products like egg whites, milk casein or isinglass, which comes from fish.

From New York Times

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 Literature

Fining works the same way, using proteins such as albumin from egg whites, casein from milk, or isinglass from, well, fish guts.

From Washington Post

Powdered isinglass was pasted on the roof and it glistened more brightly than real snow.

From Literature