opsin

[ op-sin ]

/ ˈɒp sɪn /

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noun Biochemistry.

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

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Origin of opsin

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

Words nearby opsin

opry, Ops, op-shop, -opsia, opsimath, opsin, opsinogen, -opsis, opsiuria, opsoclonus, opsogen

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use opsin in a sentence

To confirm that, Liu’s team shut off the opsin genes and TRPL in infected caterpillars.
Infected caterpillars become zombies that climb to their deaths|Jake Buehler|April 22, 2022|Science News For Students
Detected mostly in the eyes, two genes for opsins, the light-sensitive proteins that are fundamental for vision, were more active after an infection with the virus, and so was another gene associated with vision called TRPL.
How a virus turns caterpillars into zombies doomed to climb to their deaths|Jake Buehler|March 28, 2022|Science News
Using viruses, scientists can add a gene for opsins, a special family of proteins from algae, into living neurons.
Scientists Found a New Way to Control the Brain With Light—No Surgery Required|Shelly Fan|October 13, 2020|Singularity Hub

British Dictionary definitions for opsin

opsin

/ (ˈɒpsɪn) /

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

Medical definitions for opsin

opsin

[ ŏp′sĭn ]

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