Definition

Noun 1. A colorless, water-soluble, glutinous protein substance: This is a protein obtained by boiling the collagen found in animal tissues such as bones, skin, and connective tissues. It is tasteless, odorless, and typically dries into a brittle, transparent sheet or powder. When dissolved in hot water and cooled, it forms a semi-solid, elastic gel.

Examples of Usage

• The recipe for the fruit jelly requires two teaspoons of powdered gelatine.
• Gelatine is a key ingredient in many desserts like marshmallows and panna cotta.
• The capsules for these vitamins are made from gelatine.
• Photographic film historically used a gelatine emulsion to hold light-sensitive chemicals.

Advanced Usage

• "To set like gelatine": An idiom describing a liquid becoming firm or solid, similar to how a gelatine mixture sets.
  • The stew was so thick it had set like gelatine in the fridge.
• In a figurative sense, it can describe something that gives structure or cohesion to an otherwise loose arrangement.
  • Her leadership provided the gelatine that held the diverse team together.

Variants and Related Words

• Gelatin (noun): The standard and more common spelling, especially in American English. It is synonymous with "gelatine."
• Gelatinous (adjective): Having a jelly-like consistency.
  • The creature had a soft, gelatinous body.
• Gel (noun/verb): While a "gel" is the final jelly-like state, and "to gel" means to take on that form or, figuratively, for a plan or group to come together cohesively.
  • The mixture needs to chill in order to gel.

Synonyms

• Collagen derivative: (Technical) Specifies its origin.
• Thickening agent: Describes one of its primary culinary functions.
• Gelling agent: Describes its property of forming gels.

Related Phrases

• Gelatine sheet / leaf gelatine: A form of gelatine sold in thin, brittle sheets, commonly used by professional chefs.
• Gelatine powder / powdered gelatine: The granulated or powdered form, more common for home cooking.
• Blasting gelatine: A highly explosive substance made by dissolving nitrocotton in nitroglycerin, forming a stiff gel. (Note: This is a specialized compound term where "gelatine" describes the consistency, not the protein substance).

Noun

1. a colorless water-soluble glutinous protein obtained from animal tissues such as bone and skin