Gelation

/dʒɛˈleɪʃən/ noun

Definition

The process or result of forming a gel; the transformation of a liquid into a gel-like solid state.

Etymology

From gel (from gelatin) plus -ation (suffix forming nouns of action or process). The term developed in the 20th century as polymer science and colloidal chemistry advanced.

Kelly Says

Gelation is happening right now in your kitchen when you make Jello—the gelatin molecules form a three-dimensional network that traps water, and this same principle is used in contact lenses, synthetic tissues, and even space-age materials!

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