| isinglass | 1. A semitransparent, whitish, and very pure from of gelatin, chiefly prepared from the sounds or air bladders of various species of sturgeons (as the Acipenser huso) found in the of Western Russia. It used for making jellies, as a clarifier, etc. Cheaper forms of gelatin are not unfrequently so called. Called also fish glue. 2. <chemical> A popular name for mica, especially when in thin sheets. Origin: Prob. Corrupted fr. D. Huizenblas (akin to G. Hausenblase), lit, bladder of the huso, or large sturgeon; huizen sturgeon + blas bladder. Cf. Bladder, Blast a gust of wind. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| isis | 1. The principal goddess worshiped by the Egyptians. She was regarded as the mother of Horus, and the sister and wife of Osiris. The Egyptians adored her as the goddess of fecundity, and as the great benefactress of their country, who instructed their ancestors in the art of agriculture. 2. <zoology> Any coral of the genus Isis, or family Isidae, composed of joints of white, stony coral, alternating with flexible, horny joints. See Gorgoniacea. 3. <astronomy> One of the asteroids. Origin: L, the goddess Isis, fr. Gr. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |