KERATIN

keratin, ceratin

(noun) a fibrous scleroprotein that occurs in the outer layer of the skin and in horny tissues such as hair, feathers, nails, and hooves

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

keratin (countable and uncountable, plural keratins)

(protein) The protein of which hair and nails are composed.

Anagrams

• Katrine, intaker, kreatin, tankier

Source: Wiktionary


Ker"a*tin, n. Etym: [Gr. (Physiol. Chem.)

Definition: A nitrogenous substance, or mixture of substances, containing sulphur in a loose state of combination, and forming the chemical basis of epidermal tissues, such as horn, hair, feathers, and the like. It is an insoluble substance, and, unlike elastin, is not dissolved even by gastric or pancreatic juice. By decomposition with sulphuric acid it yields leucin and tyrosin, as does albumin. Called also epidermose.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

8 May 2025

INSULATION

(noun) the act of protecting something by surrounding it with material that reduces or prevents the transmission of sound or heat or electricity


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