Word
glycerin
Phoneticsglyc·erin
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. a thick, sweet, clear liquid made from fats and oils. Makers use it in soap, skin cream, and sweets to keep them soft and moist.
n. a colourless, viscous, sweet-tasting trihydric alcohol derived from fats and oils, used as a humectant, solvent, and sweetener in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
Examples
“This hand cream contains glycerin for soft skin.”
“The soap maker adds glycerin to the mixture to keep the bars moist and gentle on dry hands.”
“Because glycerin draws moisture from the air, chemists prize it as a humectant that prevents cough syrups, toothpastes, and fondant icings from drying out.”
Examples
simple
“This hand cream contains glycerin for soft skin.”
contextual
“The soap maker adds glycerin to the mixture to keep the bars moist and gentle on dry hands.”
complex
“Because glycerin draws moisture from the air, chemists prize it as a humectant that prevents cough syrups, toothpastes, and fondant icings from drying out.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “glycerin” in context.
Verb
01. add glycerin
“Add glycerin to the mixture to keep the soap from drying out.”
verb + noun
02. contain glycerin
“Many moisturisers contain glycerin to help hydrate dry skin.”
verb + noun
03. dissolve in glycerin
“Dissolve the plant extract in glycerin before adding it to the cream.”
verb + prep + noun
04. glycerin attracts
“Glycerin attracts water from the air into the outer layer of skin.”
noun + verb
05. glycerin retains
“Glycerin retains moisture, keeping the skin soft for hours.”
noun + verb
Adjective
06. food-grade glycerin
“Use only food-grade glycerin when making homemade sweets.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. drop of glycerin
“Add a drop of glycerin to the bottle to stop the ink drying.”
noun + prep + noun
08. glycerin soap
“She switched to glycerin soap because it is gentler on dry hands.”
noun + noun
09. a drop of pure glycerin
“Add a drop of pure glycerin to smooth cracked cuticles.”
10. add a teaspoon of glycerin
“To keep icing flexible, add a teaspoon of glycerin to the mix.”
11. cream enriched with glycerin
“The cream enriched with glycerin leaves hands soft without greasiness.”
12. glycerin helps retain moisture
“In cosmetics, glycerin helps retain moisture in skin and hair.”
Real-World Examples
“For the immediate glass-skin effect, I like hydrating serums and essences with glycerin and hyaluronic acid because they increase water content in the skin and give it a plumper, more reflective appearance," explains Schwarzburg.” “A new drink, Gatorade Longer Lasting, which will go on sale next year, blends glycerin and electrolytes to help the body stay hydrated for longer than water alone.” Synonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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