English Explanatory Dictionary

chitin

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A complex polysaccharide, a polymer of N-acetylglucosamine, found in the exoskeletons of arthropods and in the cell walls of fungi; thought to be responsible for some forms of asthma in humans.

Pronunciation

/ˈkʌɪtɪn/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-chitin.wav kīʹtĭn /ˈkaɪtɪn/

Word forms

chitin chitins

Etymology

Etymology tree Ancient Greek χῐτών (khĭtṓn)der. Latin chitōnder. French chitinebor. English chitin From French chitine, from Latin chitōn (“mollusk”), from Ancient Greek χιτών (khitṓn). See also chiton.

Synonyms

entomolin

Derived words

chitinaceous chitinase chitinization chitinize chitinless chitinlike chitinoid chitinolysis chitinous lipochitin polychitin pseudochitin
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