opsin

[op-sin]

noun Biochemistry.

any of several compounds that form the protein component of the light-sensitive retina pigment, rhodopsin.

Origin of opsin

First recorded in 1950–55; probably back formation from rhodopsin

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British Dictionary definitions for opsin

opsin

noun

the protein that together with retinene makes up the purple visual pigment rhodopsin

Word Origin for opsin

C20: back formation from rhodopsin

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

opsin in Medicine

opsin

[ŏp′sĭn]

n.

A protein of the retina, especially the protein constituent of rhodopsin, that makes up one of the visual pigments.