gelatin

/ˈdʒɛlətɪn/

/ˈdʒɛlətɪn/

Other forms: gelatins

Gelatin is an edible thickener that's made from finely ground animal bones and tissue. It's gelatin that gives marshmallows and Jell-o their thick, gummy texture.

While you're probably familiar with gelatin in gummy bears, candy corn, and other sweets, it's also commonly used in foods like cream cheese, low fat yogurt, and some Chinese dumplings. There are non-food uses for gelatin as well, including glue, medicine, sandpaper, and makeup. Gelatin isn't vegetarian — it's made from animal parts, including bones and connective tissue. Gelatin comes from the French gélatine, "jelly-like substance from animals," and its Latin root meaning "to congeal."

Definitions of gelatin

1. noun

   a colorless water-soluble glutinous protein obtained from animal tissues such as bone and skin
   synonyms: gelatine

   type of:

   albuminoid, scleroprotein

   a simple protein found in horny and cartilaginous tissues and in the lens of the eye
2. noun

   an edible jelly (sweet or pungent) made with gelatin and used as a dessert or salad base or a coating for foods
   synonyms: jelly

   types:

   calf's-foot jelly

   a savory jelly made with gelatin obtained by boiling calves' feet

   gelatin dessert

   jellied dessert made with gelatin and fruit juice or water

   aspic

   savory jelly based on fish or meat stock used as a mold for meats or vegetables

   Jell-O, jello

   fruit-flavored dessert (trade mark Jell-O) made from a commercially prepared gelatin powder

   type of:

   dainty, delicacy, goody, kickshaw, treat

   something considered choice to eat
3. noun

   a thin translucent membrane used over stage lights for color effects
   synonyms: gel

   type of:

   membrane

   a thin pliable sheet of material