jello
UK[ˈdʒɛləʊ]US[ˈdʒɛloʊ]
n
A sweet, soft, and wobbly dessert made from fruit-flavored gelatin.
Etymology
The word "Jell-O" is a trademark, a proprietary eponym that entered common usage. It is a creative respelling of "gelatin," the substance from which it is made, with the initial 'G' replaced by a 'J' likely for distinctive branding. The term "gelatin" itself originates from the French "gélatine," derived from the Italian "gelatina," meaning "jelly" or "frost," and ultimately from the Latin "gelatus," meaning "frozen" or "stiffened." Thus, the modern dessert name "jello" carries the ancient semantic core of its base material: a substance that congeals or sets into a semi-solid, wobbly state.
Analysis
This is a proprietary name derived from the word "gelatin." It is not productively formed from distinct, separable morphemes in modern English.
Examples
The children were thrilled to have red jello for dessert.
She molded the jello into fun shapes using a special tray.
The salad recipe called for a layer of lime jello mixed with fruit.