Pronunciation: [ɡlˈasa͡ɪn] (IPA) 
Glassine is a type of paper that is translucent, smooth and resistant to air, water and grease. The word "glassine" comes from the French word "glacine" which means "like ice". It is pronounced /ɡlæˈsiːn/ (glæ-seen) in IPA transcription. The "gl" sound is pronounced as in "glow" while the "a" sounds like the "a" in "cat". The stress is on the second syllable, and the final "e" is silent.
Glassine is a noun that refers to a smooth, translucent, and glossy paper that is often used for various purposes. It is typically made from wood pulp that has undergone extensive refining and chemical treatment to achieve its unique properties. The paper is coated with a thin layer of wax or resin, enhancing its resistance to grease, moisture, and air, while also providing it with a glossy appearance.
Glassine is commonly used in packaging due to its ability to retain the freshness and quality of food products. It is notably used for wrapping confectionery and baked goods, as it prevents the food from sticking to the paper while preserving its appearance. Additionally, its smooth texture allows for easy handling and folding, making it ideal for envelopes and bags.
Beyond packaging, glassine is also utilized in various artistic and creative fields. Its glossy surface is suitable for artwork such as tracing, drawing, and printmaking. It is often chosen as an archival material for preserving delicate documents, stamps, and photographs due to its neutral pH and excellent transparency.
Overall, glassine is a specialized paper that offers a combination of transparency, smoothness, and resistance, making it versatile and suitable for a range of applications.
The word "glassine" is derived from "glass" and the suffix "-ine", which is often used to form adjectives. "Glass" comes from the Old English word "glæs", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*glasam". "Glass" ultimately finds its roots in the Latin word "glacies", meaning "ice". The suffix "-ine" is borrowed from Latin and has been used in English to form words that indicate resemblance or nature. Thus, "glassine" essentially denotes something that resembles or relates to glass.
