Jellies Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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jellies

[หˆdส’ษ›liz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sweet dessert

Jellies are a type of sweet dessert made with fruit juice, sugar, and gelatin. They are usually served chilled and have a gel-like consistency.

Synonyms

gel, gelatin dessert, gelatinous dessert.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
jellies

Use this term to refer to soft, sweet, and somewhat wobbly desserts made from fruit juice and gelatin. Could also refer to fruit preserves.

  • She loves to eat jellies for dessert
  • The breakfast table was filled with different types of fruit jellies
gelatin dessert

This term is suitable when you refer specifically to desserts made using gelatin, often flavored and colorful.

  • For the party, she prepared a rainbow-colored gelatin dessert
  • Kids usually love making their own gelatin desserts
gel

Applied to a broader range of substances or products with a jelly-like consistency, often in a scientific, cosmetic, or culinary setting.

  • He styled his hair using gel
  • The scientist prepared a gel for the electrophoresis experiment
gelatinous dessert

More formal and scientific term, used to emphasize the texture of the dessert. Suitable for culinary descriptions or official contexts.

  • The chef presented a unique gelatinous dessert that wobbled enticingly on the plate
  • She described the dessert as gelatinous, with a smooth and firm texture

Examples of usage

  • Would you like some fruit jellies for dessert?
  • She made a batch of strawberry jellies for the party.
Context #2 | Noun

sea creatures

Jellies are also a common term for jellyfish, marine animals with a gelatinous umbrella-shaped bell and trailing tentacles.

Synonyms

jellyfish, medusae, sea jellies.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
jellies

Commonly used in casual conversations, especially by children or in informal settings. It can refer to jellyfish in general without specifying their scientific name.

  • Look at all the jellies in the water!
  • We saw some colorful jellies at the aquarium.
jellyfish

Used in both formal and informal settings when referring to the gelatinous marine animals with tentacles. This is the most widely recognized and understood term.

  • Be careful while swimming; there are jellyfish in this area.
  • The documentary explained the fascinating lifecycle of jellyfish.
sea jellies

Often used in educational contexts or by organizations like aquariums to provide a more naturalistic or less colloquial term for jellyfish.

  • Join us for a special presentation on sea jellies this weekend.
  • Sea jellies play an important role in the ocean's ecosystem.
medusae

Primarily used in scientific contexts or discussions. This term originates from Greek mythology and is often used in marine biology.

  • The study focused on the behavioral patterns of medusae.
  • Medusae exhibit a unique form of locomotion different from other marine creatures.

Examples of usage

  • Watch out for jellies when swimming in the ocean.
  • The aquarium has a tank full of colorful jellies.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Culinary History

  • The practice of making gel-like foods dates back to ancient times when fruits were preserved with sugar and gelatin.
  • Jellies became popular in Europe during the 18th century, often served at banquets to impress guests.
  • In North America, jelly has a long history and is often used as a spread on breakfast items like toast and biscuits.

Cultural Significance

  • In some cultures, jellies are not just food; they are featured in festivals and holiday celebrations as traditional treats.
  • The phrase 'jelly' has also been adopted in slang, meaning to feel envious or jealous, showing the wordโ€™s flexible use in language.
  • Certain jellies are paired with specific types of cheese in various cuisines, highlighting a blend of flavors and cultures.

Science of Jellies

  • Jellies typically contain pectin, a substance found in fruits that helps them to set and thicken.
  • The cooking process for jellies involves boiling fruit juice with sugar, which causes the natural sugars to caramelize, enhancing flavor.
  • The texture of jellies can vary greatly depending on the preparation method and the type of fruit used.

Fun Facts

  • One of the worldโ€™s largest jelly exhibitions takes place annually, where talented chefs create stunning jelly art.
  • Jellies can come in many flavors, from classic grape and strawberry to more exotic variations like jalapeรฑo or lavender.
  • In the United States, July is celebrated as National Jelly Month, where fans enjoy and share their favorite jelly recipes.

Origin of 'jellies'

The word 'jellies' originated from the Middle English word 'gelie' which came from the Old French word 'gelรฉe' meaning 'frost, jelly.' The term evolved to refer to both the sweet dessert and the marine creatures known as jellyfish.


See also: jellify, jellyfish.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,717, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.