Definition

1. Verb (transitive):

   • To convert into a gelatinous form or jelly: To cause a substance, particularly starch, to change into a thick, jelly-like consistency, often through the application of heat and moisture.
   • To coat with gelatin: To cover something with a layer of gelatin.

2. Verb (intransitive):

   • To become gelatinous or change into a jelly: To undergo a process where a substance transforms into a thick, cohesive, semi-solid state.

Usage and Examples

• Transitive verb:

  • The chef will gelatinize the fruit juice to make a dessert glaze.
  • Hot water will gelatinize the cornstarch, thickening the sauce.

• Intransitive verb:

  • If you heat the mixture, the starch will gelatinize and become clear.
  • The liquid gelatinized as it cooled, forming a firm mold.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific/Technical Context: The term is frequently used in chemistry, food science, and photography.
  • In the lab, we observed the polymer solution gelatinize upon cooling.
  • The process to gelatinize the photographic emulsion is critical for film production.

Variants and Related Words

• Gelatinization (noun): The process or result of gelatinizing.
  • The gelatinization of starch is a key step in baking.
• Gelatinous (adjective): Having a jelly-like consistency.
  • The mixture had a gelatinous texture after being refrigerated.

Synonyms

• Thicken (for the transitive sense of causing a change in consistency).
• Congeal (for the intransitive sense of becoming semi-solid, though often by cooling).
• Jellify (to make or become like jelly).

Notes on Different Meanings

• The primary meaning relates to a physical change in state, specifically the swelling and thickening of starch granules or similar substances.
• The less common meaning of "to coat with gelatin" is specific to certain industrial or culinary processes.

Verb

1. convert into gelatinous form or jelly
   • hot water will gelatinize starch
2. become gelatinous or change into a jelly
   • the starch gelatinized when it was heated
3. coat with gelatin