spectrin

spec·trin  (spktrn)

n.

A protein of high molecular weight that is a major component of the membrane of red blood cells.

---

[spect(e)r (so called because a red blood cell without hemoglobin is called a ghost) + -in.]

---

spectrin [ˈspɛktrɪn]

n

(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Biochemistry) any one of a class of fibrous proteins found in the membranes of red blood cells, the brain, the intestine, etc.

[from spectr(e) + -in, referring to the ghosts (isolated cell membranes) of red blood cells, the source of the first known member of the class]