cutin

American  

[kyoo-tin] / ˈkju 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

---

cutin Scientific  

/ 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.

---

Etymology

Origin of cutin

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

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

cutin

"This layer is where the breakdown of cellulose and other natural polymers, such as cutin - a plant-based polyester - takes place."

From Science Daily ● Oct. 16, 2026

Cellulose is the main structural component of plant cell walls, while cutin is a naturally occurring polyester that helps form the protective outer covering of plants.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 16, 2026

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 ● Apr. 16, 2018

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 ● Apr. 16, 2018

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

From Comparative Ecology of Pinyon Mice and Deer Mice in Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado by Charles L. Douglas

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---