casein

noun ca·sein \ˈkā-ˌsēn, kā-ˈ\

Definition of CASEIN

: a phosphoprotein of milk: as

a : one that is precipitated from milk by heating with an acid or by the action of lactic acid in souring and is used in making paints and adhesives

b : one that is produced when milk is curdled by rennet, is the chief constituent of cheese, and is used in making plastics

See casein defined for kids

Origin of CASEIN

probably from French caséine, from Latin caseus cheese

First Known Use: 1841

CASEIN Defined for Kids

casein

noun ca·sein \kā-ˈsēn\

Definition of CASEIN for Kids

: a whitish to yellowish protein that is found in milk and cheese and is used in making paints, plastics, and adhesives

Medical Dictionary

casein

noun ca·sein \ˈkā-ˌsēn, ka-ˈsēn\

Medical Definition of CASEIN

: any of several phosphoproteins of milk: as a : one that occurs as a colloidal suspension in milk—called also caseinogen b : one that is produced when milk is curdled by rennet, is the chief constituent of cheese, and is used in making plastics—called also paracasein