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 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

They secrete the hop-enabling protein resilin in a similar way, and differently from the way locust and dragonflies do.

From Scientific American • Jul. 27, 2013

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

From Time Magazine Archive