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keratin
[ ker-uh-tin ]
/ ˈkɛr ə tɪn /
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noun
a fibrous, structural protein that is the principal constituent of hoofs, nails, claws, talons, bills, horn, hair, feathers, etc., and that is found in the outermost layers of skin.
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Words nearby keratin
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
How to use keratin in a sentence
Light scattering off of microscopic layers of air, the protein keratin and melanin-containing structures called melanosomes creates iridescent feathers’ sheen.
Sunbirds’ dazzling feathers are hot, in both senses of the word|Jake Buehler|August 17, 2021|Science NewsRhino horns are made of keratin, the same protein found in our fingernails.
Keratin is particularly rich in sulphur, and is quite insoluble in cold water.
Principles and Practice of Fur Dressing and Fur Dyeing|William E. AustinKeratin, a substance forming the chief constituent in the hair, nails, and horn of animals.
The Nuttall Encyclopaedia|Edited by Rev. James Wood
British Dictionary definitions for keratin
keratin
ceratin
/ (ˈkɛrətɪn) /
noun
a fibrous protein that occurs in the outer layer of the skin and in hair, nails, feathers, hooves, etc
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
Medical definitions for keratin
keratin
[ kĕr′ə-tĭn ]
n.
Any of a group of scleroproteins or albuminoids that contain large amounts of sulfur and are the chief structural constituents of hair, nails, and other horny tissues.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Scientific definitions for keratin
keratin
[ kĕr′ə-tĭn ]
Any of a class of tough, fibrous proteins that are the main structural component of hair, nails, horns, feathers, and hooves. Keratins are rich in sulfur-containing amino acids, especially cysteine. Individual keratin molecules are entwined helically around each other in long filaments, which are cross-linked by bonds between sulfur atoms on different chains. The twining and cross-linking produce strength and toughness.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.