Pronunciation: [d͡ʒˈɛlɐtˌɪna͡ɪz] (IPA) 
The word "gelatinize" is spelled with a hard "g" sound followed by an "e". It then has the "l-a-t-i-n" syllable, which is pronounced with a short "a" and a soft "t" sound. The final syllable is "i-z-e," which is pronounced with a long "i" sound and a "z" sound at the end. The phonetic transcription is dʒɛlətənaɪz. This word means to turn into gelatin or to make gelatinous. It is commonly used in cooking and chemistry.
Gelatinize is a transitive verb and refers to the process of converting a substance into a gelatinous state or forming a gelatinous substance. This term is commonly used in scientific and culinary contexts. In the scientific field, gelatinization often involves the transformation of starches or polysaccharides into a gel-like state by the addition of water, heat, or specific enzymes. Gelatinization occurs when the molecules within the substance rearrange and form a three-dimensional network, resulting in a semi-solid or gel-like consistency. This process is frequently observed in food science, particularly during the cooking or heating of food items such as grains, flours, or root vegetables, where starches undergo gelatinization.
In a culinary context, gelatinize is also used to describe the process of turning a liquid or solution into a gelatinous substance using thickening agents like gelatin or agar-agar. The gelatinizing agents work by forming a matrix that entraps the liquid and creates a firmer texture.
Overall, gelatinize denotes the transformation of a substance into a gel-like state, either through natural processes, scientific procedures, or by using specific culinary techniques. The resulting gelatinous substance possesses a distinct texture and consistency, often offering advantages in various applications, such as improving the mouthfeel of food or providing stability and structure to scientific formulations.
1. To convert into gelatin. 2. To become gelatinous.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "gelatinize" comes from the noun "gelatin", which refers to a translucent, colorless substance obtained by boiling animal tissues such as bones, skin, and cartilage. The term "gelatin" is derived from the Latin word "gelāre", meaning "to freeze" or "to congeal". The suffix "-ize" is a common morpheme in English that indicates the action of making or becoming something. Therefore, "gelatinize" means the process of forming into a gelatinous substance or causing a substance to have a gel-like consistency.
