jelly

jel-ly · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A soft, semi-solid food made from fruit juice and sugar, set with pectin or gelatin; used as a spread or dessert.

  2. 2.

    (British) A sweet dessert made with gelatin and flavored liquid, served chilled; known as Jell-O in American English.

  3. 3.

    Any substance with a soft, semi-solid, gel-like consistency.

  4. 4.

    (informal) Legs that feel weak, especially from fear or exhaustion.

Forms

plural: jellies

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    jelly roll — a sponge cake rolled with jelly filling
  • •
    peanut butter and jelly — a classic American sandwich
  • •
    turn to jelly — to become weak with fear or emotion
  • •
    royal jelly — a nutritious secretion produced by honeybees

Related words

See also: gelatin, jam, marmalade, preserve
Synonyms: gel, gelatin, jam

Etymology

From Old French gelee ("frost, jelly"), from Latin gelare ("to freeze"), from gelu ("frost, cold").