elastin

American

[ih-las-tin] / ɪˈlæs tɪn /

noun

Biochemistry.

a protein constituting the basic substance of elastic tissue.

elastin British

/ ɪˈlæstɪn /

noun

biochem a fibrous scleroprotein constituting the major part of elastic tissue, such as the walls of arteries

"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

Etymology

Origin of elastin

First recorded in 1870–75; elast(ic) + -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.

In arteries, it showed alternating collagen and elastin layers that support both strength and elasticity.

From Science Daily • Dec. 9, 2025

For instance, one study concluded that GLP-1 drugs cause certain stem cells to behave differently—in particular, the ones that produce collagen and elastin, which are important skin boosters that are diminished by rapid weight loss.

From Slate • Aug. 21, 2025

Unprotected exposure to UV rays plays a substantial role in skin ageing - breaking down collagen and elastin fibres in healthy skin.

From BBC • Jul. 19, 2024

After applying a topical anesthetic, the device uses insulated micro-needling and radio-frequency energy to wake dermis cells and stimulate new collagen and elastin growth at the deepest levels.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 24, 2023

Two proteins exist in connective tissue, viz., collagen and elastin.

From School and Home Cooking by Greer, Carlotta Cherryholmes

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023