gel
/dʒɛl/ · gel
noun
- A semi‑solid colloidal substance formed from a solid dispersed in a liquid, such as jelly, cheese, or opal. The scientist examined the gel under the microscope to study its structure.
- A cosmetic product, especially for hair styling, that has a thick, jelly‑like consistency. She applied a generous amount of gel to her hair before the concert.
verb
- To apply gel to something, especially hair or another surface. He gelled his hair into spikes for the party.
- To become a gel; to set or thicken into a semi‑solid state. After cooling, the mixture gelled within minutes.
- To develop a harmonious rapport or to mesh well with others. The new teammates quickly gelled and started winning games.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Did you know? The word ‘gel’ entered English via French in the 14th century, originally meaning ‘frozen’; its modern figurative sense of ‘things clicking together’ only appeared in the late 20th century.