chitin

American  

[kahy-tin] / ˈkaɪ tɪn /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. a nitrogen-containing polysaccharide, related chemically to cellulose, that forms a semitransparent horny substance and is a principal constituent of the exoskeleton, or outer covering, of insects, crustaceans, and arachnids.

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chitin British  

/ ˈkaɪtɪn /

noun

1. a polysaccharide that is the principal component of the exoskeletons of arthropods and of the bodies of fungi

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chitin Scientific  

/ kīt′n /

1. A tough, semitransparent substance that is the main component of the exoskeletons of arthropods, such as the shells of crustaceans and the outer coverings of insects. Chitin is also found in the cell walls of certain fungi and algae. Chemically, it is a nitrogenous polysaccharide (a carbohydrate).

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Other Word Forms

• chitinoid
  adjective
• chitinous
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of chitin

1830–40; < French chitine < Greek chit ( ṓn ) tunic, chiton + French -ine -in ²

Compare meaning

How does chitin compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• chitin vs. cellulose

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

chitin

The researchers also investigated genes involved in digesting the chitin found in insect exoskeletons.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 27, 2026

The white mold Penicillium candidum, which forms the characteristic rind on the soft cheese studied, produces chitin, a dietary fiber that may act as a prebiotic.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 17, 2026

That outer shell is built largely from chitin, a tough natural material also found in fungal cell walls, fish scales, and the beaks of squids and octopi.

From Science Daily ● May 9, 2026

"You don't have to apply too much to get a very good result. The chitin synthesis inhibitors show promise as localized treatment for drywood termites."

From Science Daily ● May 9, 2026

Chitinization: the process of depositing or filling with chitin.

From Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology by John. B. Smith