isinglass

noun

isin·​glass ˈī-zᵊn-ˌglas 

ˈī-ziŋ-

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

Occasionally, bottles are fined, or clarified, with animal products like egg whites, milk casein or isinglass, which comes from fish. — New York Times, 15 Jan. 2021

The paper was made of cloth, sometimes silk and isinglass, which is somewhat see-through and made from fish air bladders. — Jonah Estess, The Conversation, 29 Aug. 2019

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, 22 Dec. 2017

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for isinglass

• fiberglass
• fibreglass
• hourglass
• lemongrass
• martinmas
• orchardgrass
• overpass
• plexiglas
• plexiglass
• sassafras
• superclass
• underclass

Kids Definition

isinglass

noun

isin·​glass ˈiz-ᵊn-ˌglas 

ˈī-ziŋ-

: mica in thin sheets

Medical Definition

isinglass

noun

isin·​glass ˈīz-ᵊn-ˌglas  ˈī-ziŋ- 

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