keratin
[ ker-uh-tin ]
/ ˈkɛr ə tɪn /
noun
a scleroprotein or albuminoid substance, found in the dead outer skin layer, and in horn, hair, feathers, hoofs, nails, claws, bills, etc.
Words nearby keratin
Example sentences from the Web for keratin
Rhino horns are made of keratin, the same protein found in our fingernails.
Keratin, a substance forming the chief constituent in the hair, nails, and horn of animals.
The Nuttall Encyclopaedia |Edited by Rev. James WoodKeratin is particularly rich in sulphur, and is quite insoluble in cold water.
Principles and Practice of Fur Dressing and Fur Dyeing |William E. Austin
British Dictionary definitions for keratin
keratin
ceratin
/ (ˈkɛrətɪn) /
noun
a fibrous protein that occurs in the outer layer of the skin and in hair, nails, feathers, hooves, etc
Medical definitions for keratin
keratin
[ kĕr′ə-tĭn ]
n.
Any of a group of scleroproteins or albuminoids that contain large amounts of sulfur and are the chief structural constituents of hair, nails, and other horny tissues.
Scientific definitions for keratin
keratin
[ kĕr′ə-tĭn ]
Any of a class of tough, fibrous proteins that are the main structural component of hair, nails, horns, feathers, and hooves. Keratins are rich in sulfur-containing amino acids, especially cysteine. Individual keratin molecules are entwined helically around each other in long filaments, which are cross-linked by bonds between sulfur atoms on different chains. The twining and cross-linking produce strength and toughness.