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

Example Sentences

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

The fish were utilized for caviar, isinglass and even as fuel for steamships, according to reports. Paul A. Smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 14 Oct. 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

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