noun
- a transparent or translucent substance obtained from the swim bladder of fish, used as a clarifying agent in beverages and as a glue or sizing material
- a thin, transparent sheet of mica or a similar material, historically used as a window pane or in lanterns
Usage: also called fish glue; commonly used in winemaking and beer production
Usage: archaic; also called muscovy glass
Examples
- Winemakers use isinglass to clarify wine by removing suspended particles.
- The brewery added isinglass to the beer to improve its clarity.
- Medieval lanterns were sometimes fitted with sheets of isinglass instead of glass.
- Isinglass is derived from the swim bladders of sturgeon and other large fish.
- The transparent isinglass pane allowed light to enter the old lantern.
- Many craft breweries still rely on isinglass as a natural fining agent.