noun / verb

gel

JEL/dʒel/

To set into a coherent jellylike mass.

The cosmetic mixture has gelled into a cohesive mound that holds soft ridges.

An open cosmetic jar filled with translucent pale-blue gel, with a small spatula resting across its rim and lifting a cohesive jellylike mound that visibly holds soft ridges.

Etymology

Gel is a shortening of gelatin, coined as a chemical term for a semisolid substance. The name thus extends beyond gelatin itself to materials with a similar jellylike consistency.

In context

Abbey Yung1:32

a very lightweight clear gel that is slippy and really easy to spread and lather.

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More examples

Let the fruit puree gel before adding the next layer.
The sauce has gelled into a soft, jellylike mass.
The cooled gel holds its shape on the spoon.

Forms

gel · gels · gelled · gelling

Similar words

jell: Also means to become jellylike; common in food preparation.
set: Emphasizes becoming firm, without requiring a jellylike texture.