gel1
/
dʒɛl/
n.
a jelly-like substance containing a cosmetic, medicinal, or other preparation.
▸Chemistry a semi-solid colloidal suspension of a solid dispersed in a liquid.
v.
(gels, gelling, gelled)
- Chemistry form into a gel.
- smooth (one's hair) with gel.
Etymology
C19: abbrev. of gelatin.
gel2
/
dʒɛl/
v.
(gels, gelling, gelled)
- (of jelly or a similar substance) set or become firmer.
- take definite form or begin to work well.
Etymology
C19: gel from gel1; the variant jell is a back-formation from jelly.
gel3
/
gɛl/
n.
Brit. informal an upper-class or well-bred girl or young woman.
Etymology
C19: representing a pronunc.
