chitin

[ kahy-tin ]
/ ˈkaɪ tɪn /

noun Biochemistry.

a nitrogen-containing polysaccharide, related chemically to cellulose, that forms a semitransparent horny substance and is a principal constituent of the exoskeleton, or outer covering, of insects, crustaceans, and arachnids.

Origin of chitin

1830–40; < French chitine < Greek chit(ṓn) tunic, chiton + French -ine -in2

OTHER WORDS FROM chitin

chi·tin·ous, chi·tin·oid, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for chitinous

British Dictionary definitions for chitinous

chitin
/ (ˈkaɪtɪn) /

noun

a polysaccharide that is the principal component of the exoskeletons of arthropods and of the bodies of fungi

Derived forms of chitin

chitinous, adjective chitinoid, adjective

Word Origin for chitin

C19: from French chitine, from Greek khitōn chiton + -in

Medical definitions for chitinous

chitin
[ kītn ]

n.

A tough, protective, semitransparent polysaccharide forming the principal component of arthropod exoskeletons and the cell walls of certain fungi.

Other words from chitin

chitin•ous adj.

Scientific definitions for chitinous

chitin
[ kītn ]

A tough, semitransparent substance that is the main component of the exoskeletons of arthropods, such as the shells of crustaceans and the outer coverings of insects. Chitin is also found in the cell walls of certain fungi and algae. Chemically, it is a nitrogenous polysaccharide (a carbohydrate).