Dictionary

keratin

noun ker·a·tin \ˈker-ə-tən\

Definition of KERATIN

:  any of various sulfur-containing fibrous proteins that form the chemical basis of horny epidermal tissues (as hair and nails)
ke·ra·ti·nous \kə-ˈra-tə-nəs\ adjective
ADVERTISEMENT

Origin of KERATIN

International Scientific Vocabulary
First Known Use: circa 1849

Other Biochemistry Terms

bile, biodegradable, capsaicin, metabolism
Medical Dictionary

keratin

noun ker·a·tin \ˈker-ət-ən\

Medical Definition of KERATIN

:  any of various sulfur-containing fibrous proteins that form the chemical basis of horny epidermal tissues (as hair and nails) and are typically not digested by enzymes of the gastrointestinal tract—see pseudokeratin

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: keratinizationPrevious Word in the Dictionary: KeraterpetonAll Words Near: keratin
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears