Gelatin
/ˈdʒɛl.ə.tɪn/noun
A colorless or pale protein substance obtained from collagen, used in foods, capsules, and adhesives.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from Latin *gelare*, meaning “to freeze,” so this soft, wobbly substance is named from the same ancient root as ice-cold stillness.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
gelare
“to freeze, congeal”
Late Latin
Latin
gelatina
“a jelly-like substance”
Old French
Old French
gelatine
“jelly, gelatin”
17th Century
English
gelatin
“a jelly-like substance obtained from animal matter”
Modern English
English
gelatin
“a protein derived from collagen, used in food and other products”