Definition of gel

The word "gel" comes from the Italian word "gelato," which means frozen dessert. The term was originally coined in the late 1800s by Carlo Giulenti, an Italian chemist, who developed a process of turning milk into a stable, concentrated substance known as "ria gelatina" or "jellied milk." This substance, which contained gelatin and milk protein, was similar in texture to gelatinous desserts like fruit jelly, but with the addition of milk, it became known as "milk jelly" or "milk gelatine" in English. Over time, as the popularity of milk-based gelatinous desserts increased, the word "gel" came to be used as a more general term to describe any substance with a similar consistency, regardless of whether it contained milk or gelatin. In the context of haircare, the term "gel" was popularized in the 1980s with the emergence of hair styling gels, which were used to create styled, sculpted looks with high shine. These gels contained a variety of ingredients, including water, polymeric compounds, and preservatives, which allowed them to form a stiff, pliable, and shine-enhancing layer on the hair. Overall, the word "gel" reflects the textural and viscosity qualities of substances that have a semi-solid or translucent appearance, making it a versatile and useful term in various contexts.