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: a horny polysaccharide (C8H13NO5)n that forms part of the hard outer integument especially of insects, arachnids, and crustaceans
Examples of chitin in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Chitin-eating microbes were predictably clinging to the chitin — but there were also bacteria that didn’t eat chitin.
—Dan Samorodnitsky, Quanta Magazine, 17 Jan. 2024
In nature, scales of chitin (a polysaccharide common to insects), for example, are arranged like roof tiles.
—Andrew Cunningham, Ars Technica, 18 Sep. 2023
The team identified chitin in the microfossils' cell walls — the oldest such evidence of the fibrous substance.
—Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, 22 May 2019
The material also contains chitin, from the insects’ bodies, and leftover organic matter.
—Sarah Scoles, New York Times, 27 Nov. 2023
The biofertilizer incorporates insect chitin, which the startup claims can stimulate the immune systems of plants.
—Catherine Wang, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2023
Stomach distention after chitin ingestion activates an innate immune response that triggers stomach cells to ramp up production of enzymes, known as chitinases, that break down chitin.
—Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Oct. 2023
Researchers found that a particular arm of the immune system is involved in chitin digestion.
—Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Oct. 2023
Arthropods have an exoskeleton made of a tough material called chitin that is mineralized with calcium carbonate, as well as a body divided into segments and paired jointed appendages.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 30 Aug. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'chitin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
French chitine, from Greek chitōn
First Known Use
circa 1839, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near chitin
Cite this Entry
“Chitin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chitin. Accessed 10 Jun. 2024.
Kids Definition
chitin
noun
chi·tin
ˈkīt-ᵊn
: a horny substance that forms part of the hard outer body covering especially of insects and crustaceans
Medical Definition
chitin
noun
chi·tin
ˈkīt-ᵊn
: a horny polysaccharide that forms part of the hard outer integument especially of insects, arachnids, and crustaceans
More from Merriam-Webster on chitin
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chitin
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