conchiolin

[ kong-kahy-uh-lin ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. a fibrous protein that forms the iridescent inner layer, as mother-of-pearl, in the shells of mollusks.

conchiolin

/ kɒŋˈkaɪəlɪn /

noun

1. a fibrous insoluble protein that forms the basic structure of the shells of molluscs. Formula: C 30 H 48 O 11 N 9

Word History and Origins

Origin of conchiolin¹

1865–70; conch + -i- + -ol- (< Latin -olus -ole ¹ ) + -in ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of conchiolin¹

C19: from conch ; see -in