Gelatinize Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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gelatinize

[หˆdส’ษ›lษ™tษชหŒnaษชz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

chemical process

To convert into or become like gelatin; solidify or coagulate.

Synonyms

coagulate, jellify, solidify.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
gelatinize

Used when describing the process of turning a substance into gelatin or gel, typically in cooking or food preparation.

  • The mixture needs to be heated to the right temperature in order to gelatinize the ingredients.
  • When you add pectin to fruit juice, it will gelatinize the liquid to form a thick jam.
solidify

Used broadly to describe the process of becoming solid, applicable in various fields including cooking, science, and everyday language.

  • The melted chocolate will solidify as it cools.
  • Concrete takes a few days to fully solidify and become hard.
coagulate

Often used in scientific, medical, or chemical contexts to describe the process of a liquid changing into a thickened or solid state.

  • Blood will coagulate to form a clot and stop bleeding.
  • The milk began to coagulate when lemon juice was added.
jellify

A less formal term primarily used in everyday language to describe turning a liquid or semi-liquid into a jelly-like consistency. Frequently used in cooking or playful contexts.

  • After cooling in the refrigerator, the dessert will jellify into a firm texture.
  • You can jellify the fruit juice by adding gelatin and letting it set.

Examples of usage

  • The solution will gelatinize as it cools.
  • The mixture will gelatinize after a few hours.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Culinary Uses

  • In cooking, gelatinization is critical for making products like jellies, sauces, and puddings.
  • Certain starches gelatinize when heated with water, thickening sauces and soups.
  • Vegetarians often use agar-agar, a seaweed-derived gelatin, as an alternative to animal-based gelatin.

Science

  • Gelatinization is essential in food science to understand texture and mouthfeel in various dishes.
  • This process involves the breakdown of starch granules, allowing them to absorb water and swell.
  • It's also studied in the context of biochemistry for its applications in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

Cultural Significance

  • Gelatin desserts are popular in many cultures, often served at parties and celebrations.
  • The concept has roots in various traditional recipes from around the world, utilizing local ingredients for thickening.
  • In some cuisines, gelatinized dishes are seen as delicacies, showcasing culinary skills and innovation.

Health and Nutrition

  • Gelatin is made from collagen, a protein that can improve skin elasticity and joint health.
  • Consuming gelatin can aid digestion, as it provides important amino acids.
  • Some studies suggest that gelatin might have beneficial effects in muscle recovery after exercise.

Origin of 'gelatinize'

Main points about word origin

  • The term derives from the Latin word 'gelatus', meaning 'frozen' or 'made into a gel'.
  • It was first used in the scientific context in the late 19th century.
  • The suffix '-ize' indicates the process of becoming, which helps in understanding the transformation aspect of the word.

The word 'gelatinize' is derived from the noun 'gelatin,' which in turn comes from the Latin word 'gelฤtus,' meaning frozen or stiffened. The process of gelatinization involves the transformation of a substance into a gel-like state, commonly used in cooking and chemistry.