gelatin

American  

[jel-uh-tn] / ˈdʒɛl ə tn /

Or gelatine

noun

1. a nearly transparent, faintly yellow, odorless, and almost tasteless glutinous substance obtained by boiling in water the ligaments, bones, skin, etc., of animals, and forming the basis of jellies, glues, and the like.

2. any of various similar substances, as vegetable gelatin.

3. a preparation or product in which such an animal or vegetable substance is the essential constituent.

4. an edible jelly made of this substance.

5. Also called gelatin slide.  Theater. a thin sheet made of translucent gelatin colored with an aniline dye, placed over stage lights, and used as a color medium in obtaining lighting effects.

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gelatin Scientific  

/ jĕl′ə-tn /

1. An odorless, colorless protein substance obtained by boiling a mixture of water and the skin, bones, and tendons of animals. The preparation forms a gel when allowed to cool. It is used in foods, drugs, glue, and film.

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Etymology

Origin of gelatin

1790–1800; < French gélatine < Medieval Latin gelātina, equivalent to Latin gelāt ( us ) frozen, thickened, past participle of gelāre ( gel- freeze + -ātus -ate ¹ ) + -ina -in ²

Example Sentences

She makes a living selling gelatin in the streets of Los Angeles, but she has been terrified to leave her home since the raids first started over the summer.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 25, 2025

"The expectation is zero," said Alejandra Zarazua, who fears she will be evicted from her normal spot near the Azteca Stadium where she sells Mexican gelatin desserts.

From Barron's • Nov. 5, 2025

Among them, gelatin salads are having a particular moment.

From Salon • Apr. 27, 2025

The patches are made of sensors, bacterial cells, and a gel made from starch and gelatin.

From Science Daily • May 30, 2024

Kabuo set the hand mirror on his tray of food now and ate half of the lime gelatin.

From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson

Related Words

• jelly
• marmalade