# gelatin

/ˈdʒɛɫətən/ (US) · /dʒˈɛlɐtˌɪn/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gelatin
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

a clear, jelly-like substance made from animal bones and skin. You use it to make things like desserts, marshmallows, and the clear covering on some medicines.

For teachers: a protein-based substance derived from animal collagen, which forms a clear, jelly-like mass when dissolved in hot water and cooled. Often used as a gelling agent in food and pharmaceuticals.

## Examples

- I used gelatin to make a fruit salad.
- The chef added powdered gelatin to the fruit puree to give the dessert a firm, smooth texture.
- While traditional recipes rely on animal-derived gelatin for their structural integrity, many modern alternatives use plant-based agar or pectin to achieve a similar gelling effect.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.