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isinglass

noun
isin·​glass | \ ˈī-zᵊn-ËŒglas How to pronounce isinglass (audio) , ˈī-ziÅ‹-\

Definition of isinglass

1 : a semitransparent whitish very pure gelatin prepared from the air bladders of fishes (such as sturgeons) and used especially as a clarifying agent and in jellies and glue
2 : mica especially when in thin transparent sheets especially : muscovite sense 2

Examples of isinglass in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Langton said Norwegians have a long history of woodcarving as a way to express themselves during the long winters that kept them in dark cabins, many of which did not have windows until the invention of isinglass in the 1600s. — Brian E. Clark, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Decorah’s Vesterheim Museum tells Norwegian immigrant experience," 22 Dec. 2017 The fish were utilized for caviar, isinglass and even as fuel for steamships, according to reports. — Paul A. Smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Smith: Sturgeon add spice to Lake of the Woods fishery," 14 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'isinglass.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of isinglass

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for isinglass

probably by folk etymology from obsolete Dutch huizenblas, from Middle Dutch huusblase, from huus sturgeon + blase bladder

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More Definitions for isinglass

isinglass

noun
isin·​glass | \ ˈīz-ᵊn-ËŒglas How to pronounce isinglass (audio) , ˈī-ziÅ‹- How to pronounce isinglass (audio) \

Medical Definition of isinglass

1 : a semitransparent whitish very pure gelatin prepared from the air bladders of fishes (as sturgeons) and used especially as a clarifying agent and in jellies and glue

— called also ichthyocolla

2 : mica

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Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with isinglass

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