GEL (gelled, gelling)

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

Irregular inflected forms: gelled    , gelling   

 Dictionary entry overview: What does gel mean? 

• GEL (noun)
  The noun GEL has 3 senses:

1. a colloid in a more solid form than a sol

2. jellylike substance used in hair styling

3. a thin translucent membrane used over stage lights for color effects

  Familiarity information: GEL used as a noun is uncommon.

• GEL (verb)
  The verb GEL has 2 senses:

1. become a gel

2. apply a styling gel to

  Familiarity information: GEL used as a verb is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• GEL (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A colloid in a more solid form than a sol

Classified under:

Nouns denoting substances

Synonyms:

colloidal gel; gel

Hypernyms ("gel" is a kind of...):

colloid (a mixture with properties between those of a solution and fine suspension)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "gel"):

hydrogel (a colloidal gel in which water is the dispersion medium)

Derivation:

gel (become a gel)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Jellylike substance used in hair styling

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Synonyms:

gel; hair gel

Hypernyms ("gel" is a kind of...):

toilet articles; toiletry (artifacts used in making your toilet (washing and taking care of your body))

Derivation:

gel (apply a styling gel to)

Sense 3

Meaning:

A thin translucent membrane used over stage lights for color effects

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Synonyms:

gel; gelatin

Hypernyms ("gel" is a kind of...):

membrane (a thin pliable sheet of material)

• GEL (verb)

Present simple: I / you / we / they gel    ... he / she / it gels   
Past simple: gelled   
Past participle: gelled   
-ing form: gelling   

Sense 1

Meaning:

Become a gel

Classified under:

Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc.

Context example:

The solid, when heated, gelled

Hypernyms (to "gel" is one way to...):

change (undergo a change; become different in essence; losing one's or its original nature)

Sentence frame:

Something ----s

Derivation:

gel (a colloid in a more solid form than a sol)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Apply a styling gel to

Classified under:

Verbs of grooming, dressing and bodily care

Synonyms:

gel; mousse

Context example:

she mousses her hair

Hypernyms (to "gel" is one way to...):

groom; neaten (care for one's external appearance)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s something

Sentence example:

They gel their hair

Derivation:

gel (jellylike substance used in hair styling)

 Context examples 

The P407-PBP gel continued releasing antibiotics into the middle ear throughout the week, whereas the other treatments stopped by day 3.

(Developing novel ear infection treatments, NIH)

Some women choose to have breast implants, which are filled with saline or silicone gel.

(Breast Reconstruction, NIH: National Cancer Institute)

The gel form of a drug that is used to treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and is being studied in the prevention and treatment of some types of skin cancer.

(Diclofenac sodium gel, NCI Dictionary)

A gel that is modified to enhance the release of active and/or inert ingredient(s).

(Augmented Gel Dosage Form, NCI Thesaurus)

Implant systems are used when chronic therapy is indicated and may take the form of highly viscous liquids, semi-solid formulations, rod impregnated with drug substances, or a liquid which gels in situ.

(Administration via Implantation, NCI Thesaurus)

Called “expansion microscopy,” that process involves injecting a material into a gel and then making it larger and therefore easier to see.

(Researchers Use Laser to Shrink Objects to Nanoscale, The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin)

A gel formulation of the sodium salt of diclofenac, a nonsteroidal benzeneacetic acid derivative with analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities.

(Diclofenac sodium gel, NCI Thesaurus)

The interface periodically applies a gentle electrical current to the gel that drives the sweat-stimulating molecules to the skin’s sweat glands.

(Diagnosing cystic fibrosis with wearable devices, NIH)

A gel intended for administration to the mucosa of the nose.

(Nasal Gel Dosage Form, NCI Thesaurus)

A gel intended for administration in or around the eye.

(Ophthalmic Gel Dosage Form, NCI Thesaurus)