: the collagen of bones

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from Latin oss-, os

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ossein was in 1857

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Cite this Entry

“Ossein.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ossein. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Medical Definition

: the chief organic substance of bone tissue that remains as a residue after removal of the mineral matters from cleaned degreased bone by dilute acid and is used in making gelatin : the collagen of bones
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