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

Example Sentences

The mollusc deposits layers of aragonite and conchiolin, which together form nacre, also know as mother-of-pearl.

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In the first place, it should be understood that both conchiolin and aragonite are translucent, that is, they pass light to a certain extent.

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Typical albuminoids are gelatin, keratin, elastin, fibroin, spongin and conchiolin.

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