ker·a·tin (k r  -t n)n. A tough, insoluble protein substance that is the chief structural constituent of hair, nails, horns, and hooves. [Greek keras, ker  t-, horn; see ker-1 in Indo-European roots + -in.]ke·rat i·nous (k-r tn-s) adj. |
keratin [ˈkɛrətɪn], ceratin
n
(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) a fibrous protein that occurs in the outer layer of the skin and in hair, nails, feathers, hooves, etc.
| keratin (kr-tn) 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. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | keratin - a fibrous scleroprotein that occurs in the outer layer of the skin and in horny tissues such as hair, feathers, nails, and hooves feather, plumage, plume - the light horny waterproof structure forming the external covering of birds hair - a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss; "he combed his hair"; "each hair consists of layers of dead keratinized cells" horn - the material (mostly keratin) that covers the horns of ungulates and forms hooves and claws and nails albuminoid, scleroprotein - a simple protein found in horny and cartilaginous tissues and in the lens of the eye |
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