jelly
UK[ˈdʒeli]US[ˈdʒeli]
n
a soft, sweet, clear food made by cooking fruit juice with sugar, or a similar substance made from meat juices
n
a soft, sticky, semi-solid substance
v
to set or become set into a soft, semi-solid mass
Etymology
the journey of 'jelly' begins with the latin verb 'gelare', meaning to freeze or congeal, derived from the noun 'gelu' for frost. this concept of solidification through cold passed into old french as 'gelee', which referred both to frost and to food that had congealed. entering middle english as 'gely', the word's meaning narrowed to focus specifically on the culinary product—a substance that sets into a soft, semi-solid state, not by freezing but by the action of pectin or gelatin. thus, the modern word 'jelly' retains the ancient logic of congealing, though its application has shifted from ice to a sweet or savory gelled preparation.
Analysis
the word 'jelly' is a simplex form. it is derived from the middle english 'gely', which came from the old french 'gelee', meaning 'frost, jelly'. the old french term originates from the latin 'gelata', the feminine past participle of 'gelare', meaning 'to freeze, congeal'. the core root is the latin 'gelu', meaning 'frost'.
Examples
she spread raspberry jelly on her toast.
the medicine had a thick, sticky consistency like jelly.
the liquid will jelly as it cools in the refrigerator.