gel
pronunciation
How to pronounce gel in British English:
UK [dʒel]
How to pronounce gel in American English:
US [dʒɛl]
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- Noun:
- a colloid in a more solid form than a sol
- a thin translucent membrane used over stage lights for color effects
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- Verb:
- become a gel
- apply a styling gel to
Word Origin
- gel
- gel: see jelly
- gel (n.)
- "semi-solid substance," 1899, as a chemical term, short for gelatin and perhaps influenced by jell. The invention of this word is credited to Scottish chemist Thomas Graham (1805-1869). Hair-styling sense is from 1958.
- gel (v.)
- 1902, "to become a gel," from gel (n.). Figurative sense "come together and agree well" is from 1958. Related: Gelled; gelling.
Example
- 1. We looked at another band glowing in a gel .
- 2. Those in one group were given the microbicidal gel .
- 3. Without the gel scientists say the bacteria die off .
- 4. Paste and gel formulations often contain substances like glycerol to prevent the toothpaste from drying out .
- 5. Smear some aloe vera gel on the blister and cover it with a bandage to help it heal .