casein

noun

ca·​sein ˈkā-ˌsēn 

kā-ˈsēn

: a phosphoprotein of milk: such as

a

: one that is precipitated from milk by heating with an acid or by the action of lactic acid in souring and is used in making paints and adhesives

b

: one that is produced when milk is curdled by rennet, is the chief constituent of cheese, and is used in making plastics

Examples of casein in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While a person with lactose intolerance cannot properly digest the sugar in milk (lactose), a person with a milk protein allergy cannot properly digest the proteins in milk (casein and whey). —Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 7 Mar. 2024

This pea protein powder is a good option for folks who can’t consume whey or casein products, and it’s made with just four ingredients, minimizing the potential irritants for those of us with sensitive stomachs. —Jenny McCoy, Glamour, 2 Feb. 2024

Cottage cheese is loaded with casein protein, a slow-digesting protein to help supply your muscles with a steady level of fuel. —Paul Kita, Men's Health, 18 Aug. 2023

Then add some extra protein power by choosing from whey, casein, soy, pea, or rice powders - try an unsweetened variety to keep it healthy. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 28 Feb. 2023

That allows bromelain to focus on the whey and casein proteins in it instead of the ones in your mouth. —Ashia Aubourg, SELF, 15 June 2023

Whey protein is considered to have the highest biological value (BV) of any protein source - superior in essential amino acid content to beef, milk, casein or soy. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 16 Nov. 2022

High-quality options might include whey or casein from milk, as both provide all nine essential amino acids for complete nutrition. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 17 Mar. 2023

Meat and dairy forms of protein, like whey and casein, can't do that. —Cori Ritchey, Men's Health, 31 Mar. 2023

Word History

Etymology

probably from French caséine, from Latin caseus cheese

First Known Use

1823, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

casein

noun

ca·​sein ˈkā-ˌsēn 

kā-ˈsēn

1

: a phosphorus-containing protein that is separated from milk especially by the action of acid that is used in making paints and adhesives

2

: a phosphorus-containing protein that is produced when milk is made to form curds by rennet, that makes up a major part of cheese, and that is used in making plastics

Medical Definition

casein

noun

ca·​sein ˈkā-ˌsēn, ka-ˈsēn 

: any of several phosphoproteins of milk: as

a

: one that occurs as a colloidal suspension in milk

called also caseinogen

b

: one that is produced when milk is curdled by rennet, is the chief constituent of cheese, and is used in making plastics

called also paracasein