sericin

noun

ser·​i·​cin ˈser-ə-sən 

: a gelatinous protein that cements the two fibroin filaments in a silk fiber

Examples of sericin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In much the same way that silk cocoons unravel, silk unravels, too, when rid of its sericin and transformed into an aqueous solution of pure fibroin fiber. —Amy Paturel, Discover Magazine, 22 Apr. 2025

This boiling step also blunts a natural chemical substance known as sericin, which otherwise would cause the cocoons to harden, resulting in a fabric that’s not as soft. —Ryan Egglestone, Discover Magazine, 12 Jan. 2021

The formula features the brand's silk protein, which is a blend of sericin and fibroin. —Sarah Han, Allure, 14 June 2022

This luxurious ingredient contains two proteins — sericin and fibroin — that can benefit skin health, according to Morgan Rabach, M.D., a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai in New York City. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 1 Mar. 2022

Next, the cocoons are boiled to dissolve the sericin, the gummy substance holding the cocoon together, so the thread can be easily unwound. —Jennifer Billock, Smithsonian, 12 Apr. 2017

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from Latin sericum silk

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sericin

• salicin
• daunorubicin
• doxorubicin
• oleoresin
• gleason