Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Gel Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’‡
Add to dictionary

gel

[dส’el ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

hair styling

A thick, clear, sticky substance used for styling hair.

Synonyms

hair gel, styling gel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
gel

A verb meaning to become more solid or to work well together.

  • The team started to gel after a few practice sessions.
  • Allow the mixture to gel overnight.
hair gel

A specific type of gel used for styling hair.

  • He used hair gel to keep his hairstyle in place all day.
  • The new hair gel provided a strong hold without making hair stiff.
styling gel

Another term for hair gel, focused on its purpose for hair styling.

  • She often uses styling gel to create different looks.
  • The hairstylist recommended a high-quality styling gel for better results.

Examples of usage

  • She used gel to keep her hair in place all day.
  • He applied gel to his hair before combing it.
Context #2 | Noun

chemistry

A colloidal substance, especially one that is transparent, translucent, or homogeneous.

Synonyms

colloid, jelly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
gel

Typically used to refer to a semi-solid substance, often found in personal care products like hair or skin gels.

  • I use a hair gel to keep my hairstyle in place.
  • This aloe vera gel is great for soothing sunburns.
colloid

A scientific term that describes a mixture where one substance is dispersed evenly throughout another. Often used in chemistry and materials science.

  • Milk is an example of a colloid because fat droplets are dispersed in water.
  • Scientists studied the properties of the colloid to understand its stability.

Examples of usage

  • The gel formed a solid when cooled.
  • The gel was used as a medium for the electrophoresis process.
Context #3 | Verb

solidify

To become a gel or cause something to become a gel-like substance.

Synonyms

jellify, solidify.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
gel

Commonly used in more informal or casual settings to describe the forming of a plan or when things start to work well together.

  • The team started to gel after the first few games
  • Our plans will gel once we confirm the dates
solidify

Used in both scientific and everyday contexts to describe the process of becoming solid.

  • The lava will solidify into rock over time
  • We need to solidify our plans for the trip next week
jellify

Rarely used; formal or literary context to describe the process of becoming jelly-like.

  • The mixture will jellify if you leave it in the fridge overnight

Examples of usage

  • The mixture will gel once it cools down.
  • The ingredients gel together to form a solid mass.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'gel'

The word 'gel' originated from the late 19th century, derived from the word 'gelatin'. It first appeared in the context of chemistry, referring to a colloidal substance. Over time, the term expanded to include hair styling products, leading to the common usage we see today.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,871 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.