isinglass
9.9
A thin clear sheet of mineral used to stop electricity passing
- noun
- /ˈaɪzɪŋɡlæs/
- Archaic
:
mica
- Many old-fashioned windows were made with isinglass to allow light in while providing protection from the elements.
Examples
-
In good weather, Fox would efficiently arrange the isinglass windows so that we could get fresh air without being blown apart.
Fiction book (1995) -
The technician used isinglass as an effective electrical insulator in the circuit design.
-
The electrical panel was equipped with isinglass because of its excellent resistance to electricity.
Synonyms
4
7.0
A shiny mineral that splits into thin flexible sheets used to keep electric parts safe and to decorate things
is a transparent flaky form specially used as an electrical insulator
Surface Forms
isinglass singular
isinglasses plural
Etymology
Isinglass was used for thin, clear sheets of the mineral mica that looked and acted like 'glass' in old stoves and early radios. That's why isinglass now means a transparent, flaky mineral used to stop the flow of electricity.