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Jell Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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jell

[dʒɛl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

food preparation

To jell means to take on a jelly-like consistency, typically as a result of cooling. This process is commonly observed in the making of gelatin desserts, preserves, and other similar food items.

Synonyms

gel, set, thicken.

Examples of usage

  • The mixture will start to jell in a few hours.
  • Make sure to stir until the ingredients begin to jell.
  • The fruit preserves need to jell overnight.
Context #2 | Noun

food item

Jell refers to a gelatinous substance, often used in cooking or serving desserts. It is made by boiling certain ingredients, then cooling the mixture until it sets into a soft, cohesive mass.

Synonyms

gelatin, jelly, preserve.

Examples of usage

  • She served jell with whipped cream.
  • The jell was flavored with fresh fruit.
  • He spread jell on his toast for breakfast.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • The process of jelling, especially in cooking, often involves gelatin or pectin, which thickens liquids.
  • Temperature plays a crucial role in jelling, as cooling liquids can change their properties, helping them set.
  • In chemistry, jelling refers to the transition of a substance from a liquid to a structured gel form.

Pop Culture

  • In the culinary world, 'jell' is often associated with beloved treats like jell-o and jellied desserts.
  • Reality TV shows featuring cooking often highlight the jelling process, as contestants create jelly dishes to impress judges.
  • In music and literature, 'jell' is sometimes metaphorically used to describe ideas or concepts that come together harmoniously.

Psychology

  • The term can be used to describe how thoughts or memories might come together after a period of confusion, indicating clarity.
  • In a team setting, discussions that 'jell' mean that everyone agrees and feels aligned on decisions.
  • The psychological concept of 'jelling' illustrates the importance of process and time in achieving a unified understanding or agreement.

Literature

  • Writers often use the concept of ideas 'jelling' as a metaphor for inspiration, indicating when everything falls into place.
  • In storytelling, characters' relationships or plots can jell when conflicts resolve, showcasing growth.
  • The imagery of jelling is frequently used to convey transformation, whether in physical form or emotional connections.

Origin of 'jell'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'jell' comes from the Old French 'gele', meaning to freeze or congeal.
  • It was first used in English around the 14th century, mainly referring to something that has set or hardened.
  • Related words include 'gelatin', a substance that helps things to jell like desserts.

The word 'jell' originates from the Old French 'gelee', which means jelly or gelatin, and is derived from the Latin word 'gelare,' meaning to freeze or congeal. The English variant has evolved over time, initially used to describe the transformation of liquid into a thicker, gelatinous state. The culinary usage of 'jell' became popular in the 19th century as technological advancements in food preservation and preparation brought significant changes to cooking techniques. Gelatin itself, used as a stabilizing agent in various dishes, gained traction during this period, standardizing the term 'jell' in culinary contexts. The word's usage has since broadened in modern language to encompass any process of thickening or congealing a mixture.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,859, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.