Gēl'a-tine, n.

(jēl'a-tīn), n. [Fr. gélatine, Sp. & It. gelatina, from Lat. gelare, to congeal. See GEAL.] (Chem.) An animal substance found in the skin, the cellular membranes, and membranes generally, whose distinguishing character is that of dissolving in hot water, and forming a jelly on cooling. When pure, it is colorless, transparent, and insipid. It has been used as an article of food, but is now regarded as destitute of nutritious qualities. Its purest form is isinglass, made from the air-bladder of fishes: glue and size are impure forms of it. Gregory.