cutin

[ kyoo-tin ]

noun

1. a transparent, waxy substance constituting, together with cellulose, the cuticle of plants.

cutin

/ ˈkjuːtɪn /

noun

1. a waxy waterproof substance, consisting of derivatives of fatty acids, that is the main constituent of the plant cuticle

cutin

/ kyo̅o̅t′n /

1. A waxlike, water-repellent polyester consisting of fatty acids and aromatic compounds that occurs naturally in the walls of many plant cells. Cutin acts together with wax to form the cuticle, a barrier protecting the aboveground surfaces of plants from water loss and microbial attack.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cutin¹

1860–65; < Latin cut ( is ) skin, cutis + -in ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of cutin¹

C19: from Latin cutis skin + -in

Example Sentences

Due to the presence of cutin in the cell walls, epidermis is last to be digested.

From Project Gutenberg