gel
UK: dʒel | US: dʒel
n. a semi-solid substance with properties between liquid and solid, often used in cosmetics or science.
vt. to take shape or become more defined (e.g., "The plan began to gel").
The word "gel" originates from the Latin gelare, meaning "to freeze" or "congeal." It entered English via French (geler) and Italian (gelare), initially referring to the process of solidification. Over time, it evolved to describe semi-solid substances in chemistry and cosmetics, retaining its core idea of transformation from liquid to a more stable state. The verb form emerged metaphorically to describe ideas or plans becoming coherent.
She applied a cooling gel to her sunburn.
The mixture will gel if left in the fridge overnight.
Their teamwork finally began to gel after weeks of practice.
Hair gel helps keep his style in place.
The scientist observed how the solution started to gel under low temperatures.