resilin

American  

[rez-uh-lin] / ˈrɛz ə lɪn /

noun

1. an elastic substance of cross-linked protein chains found in the cuticles of many insects, especially in the wings.

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Etymology

Origin of resilin

First recorded in 1960–65; from Latin resilīre “to jump back, recoil” + -in ² ( def. ); resilient ( def. )

Example Sentences

The bee can do this because of an elastic material in its wings called resilin, which allows it to crumple its wings like folding origami and bounce back.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 9, 2018

One secret to their trick of avoiding breakage appears to be that rubbery protein called resilin, which insects have in their wing hinges and tracheal tubes.

From Scientific American • Jun. 18, 2018

In fact, the layering of chitin and resilin resembles the design of archers’ composite bows from hundreds of years ago, such as those made of horn and wood, or leather and wood.

From Scientific American • Jun. 18, 2018

In insects, Dr. Burrows said, resilin is often bound to the hard chitin of the exoskeleton, creating strength and flexibility, an arrangement similar to lamination in bows.

From New York Times • Apr. 27, 2015

Unlike synthetic rubber, Kaplan notes, resilin does not swell on contact with organic solvents.

From Time Magazine Archive