Gelatinize: meaning, definitions and examples

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gelatinize

 

[ˈdʒɛlətɪˌnaɪz ]

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "gelatinize" in other languages:

🇵🇹 gelatinizar

🇮🇳 जेलाटिन बनाना

🇩🇪 gelatinisieren

🇮🇩 menggelatinasi

🇺🇦 желатинізувати

🇵🇱 żelatynizować

🇯🇵 ゼラチン化する

🇫🇷 gélatiniser

🇪🇸 gelatinizar

🇹🇷 jelatinleştirmek

🇰🇷 젤라틴화하다

🇸🇦 تجميد

🇨🇿 želatinizovat

🇸🇰 želatinizovať

🇨🇳 明胶化

🇸🇮 želatinizirati

🇮🇸 gelatínera

🇰🇿 желатинизациялау

🇬🇪 ჟელატინიზაცია

🇦🇿 jelatinləşdirmək

🇲🇽 gelatinizar