chitin

noun

chi·​tin ˈkī-tᵊn 

: a horny polysaccharide (C₈H₁₃NO₅)_n that forms part of the hard outer integument especially of insects, arachnids, and crustaceans

chitinous

ˈkī-tᵊn-əs 

ˈkīt-nəs

adjective

Examples of chitin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The insects' exoskeletons are made from a substance called chitin, which is fiber-like and has some prebiotic properties; this can improve animals' digestive health, Liesch explained. —Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 22 May 2024

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

Word History

Etymology

French chitine, from Greek chitōn

First Known Use

circa 1839, in the meaning defined above

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

chitinous

ˈkīt-ᵊn-əs 

ˈkīt-nəs

adjective

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

chitinous

ˈkīt-ᵊn-əs, ˈkīt-nəs 

adjective