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cutin

American  
[kyoo-tin] / ˈkyu tɪn /

noun

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


cutin British  
/ ˈkjuːtɪn /

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

cutin Scientific  
/ kyo̅o̅tn /
  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.


Etymology

Origin of cutin

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The discoverers of PETase also suggested that it may have evolved from bacterial enzymes used to break down cutin, a waxy polymer that coats leaves.

From Economist

The structure of the enzyme looked very similar to one evolved by many bacteria to break down cutin, a natural polymer used as a protective coating by plants.

From The Guardian

The boomers’ Social Security benefits were actually cutin the Reagan years.

From Seattle Times

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

From Project Gutenberg

Motor cells; 2. stomata; 3. sclerenchyma; 4. epidermis; 5. cutin layer.

From Project Gutenberg