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

Studies suggest that consuming casein before bed, especially after strength training in the evening, may support muscle recovery. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 15 July 2024

At that point, the caseins clump together to form solid fatty curds surrounded by a watery liquid. —Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 3 Apr. 2024

Unlike classic butter, ghee does not contain casein or lactose because the milk solids have been removed through the clarifying process. —Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 20 June 2024

Per Zaidan, this happens because of the casein proteins in milk, which typically have an overall negative charge that keeps them from clumping. —Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 3 Apr. 2024

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