avidin

[ av-i-din, uh-vid-in ]
/ ˈæv ɪ dɪn, əˈvɪd ɪn /

noun Biochemistry.

a protein, found in the white of egg, that combines with and prevents the action of biotin, thus injuring the animal that consumes it in excess by producing biotin deficiency.

Origin of avidin

1940–45; avid + (biot)in; so named from its affinity for biotin

British Dictionary definitions for avidin

avidin
/ (ˈævɪdɪn, əˈvɪdɪn) /

noun

a protein, found in egg-white, that combines with biotin to form a stable compound that cannot be absorbed, leading to a biotin deficiency in the consumer

Word Origin for avidin

C20: from avid + ( bio) in; from its characteristic avidity for biotin

Medical definitions for avidin

avidin
[ ăvĭ-dĭn ]

n.

A protein, found in uncooked egg white, that binds to and inactivates biotin and which, when present in abundance, can result in a deficiency of biotin.