conchiolin

[ kong-kahy-uh-lin ]
/ kɒŋˈkaɪ ə lɪn /

noun Biochemistry.

a fibrous protein that forms the iridescent inner layer, as mother-of-pearl, in the shells of mollusks.

Origin of conchiolin

1865–70; conch + -i- + -ol- (< Latin -olus -ole1) + -in2

British Dictionary definitions for conchiolin

conchiolin
/ (kɒŋˈkaɪəlɪn) /

noun

a fibrous insoluble protein that forms the basic structure of the shells of molluscs. Formula: C 30 H 48 O 11 N 9

Word Origin for conchiolin

C19: from conch; see -in