ˈīz ə nˌglas, ˈīziŋˌg-, -zēŋ-, -laa(ə)s, -lais, -lȧs noun
( -es )
Etymology: probably by folk etymology (influence of English glass ) from obsolete Dutch huizenblas, from Middle Dutch huusblase, from huss sturgeon + blase bladder; akin to Old High German hūso beluga and to Old High German blāsan to blow — more at huso , blast
1. : a semitransparent whitish substance consisting of a very pure form of gelatin originally prepared from the air bladders of sturgeons from the rivers of western Russia but now largely made from those of sturgeons of other areas or of various other fishes and used chiefly as a clarifying agent and in making jellies and glue — called also fish gelatin, fish glue
2. : mica especially when in thin transparent sheets
3. : a colloidal extractive substance (as agar) from various algae