jell-o
Definition
Noun 1. A fruit-flavored dessert: A sweet, gelatin-based dessert that is typically fruit-flavored, translucent, and wobbly in texture. It is made by mixing a commercial powdered gelatin with hot water and then chilling it until set. 2. A trademark (Jell-O): A specific, well-known brand name for this type of dessert gelatin. In common usage, the trademark is often used generically to refer to any similar gelatin dessert.
Usage
- As a common noun (often lowercase): Refers to the substance or dessert itself.
- The children love eating red jell-o.
- She brought a bowl of lime jell-o to the picnic.
- As a proper noun (trademark, often capitalized): Refers specifically to the Jell-O brand product.
- We used Jell-O brand gelatin to make the dessert.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- Metaphorical use for instability: Can describe something unstable, uncertain, or not firmly set.
- Our plans for the weekend are still jell-o; we haven't decided anything yet.
- "Nervous as jell-o": An informal idiom describing someone who is very anxious or trembling with fear.
- Before the speech, my knees were nervous as jell-o.
Variants and Related Words
- Gelatin dessert: The more formal, generic term for jell-o.
- Jelly (UK usage): In British English, "jelly" is the common term for what American English calls "jell-o." (Note: In American English, "jelly" typically refers to a fruit preserve spread.)
Synonyms
- Gelatin dessert
- Gelatin (when referring to the prepared food)
Related Idioms
- "Shake like jell-o": To tremble or shake noticeably, usually from fear or cold.
- When he heard the strange noise, he started to shake like jell-o.
Noun
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fruit-flavored dessert (trade mark Jell-O) made from a commercially prepared gelatin powder
