glycerine

Everyday

1. A thick, clear, sweet-tasting liquid with no colour or smell, used in soap, medicines, cosmetics and food. tree →
2. (science) The everyday name of glycerol, a chemical made from fats and oils. tree →

In the lessons

In science and craft lessons glycerine is used to make bubble mixture stronger and in soap-making; on labels it appears as E422. Phrases: bubble mixture with glycerine, glycerine soap, a drop of glycerine.

Examples

• Add a spoonful of glycerine to make bubbles that last longer. tree →
• Glycerine soap is clear like glass. tree →
• Mum puts glycerine on the icing so it stays soft. tree →
• Some cough syrups contain glycerine. tree →
• Glycerine keeps skin from drying out. tree →
• In chemistry, glycerine is called glycerol. tree →

Note

British spelling glycerine, American glycerin; both are right. Uncountable: some glycerine, not a glycerine. Say GLISS-er-in. Do not confuse with nitroglycerine, a dangerous explosive made from it.