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zein

noun
ze·​in | \ ˈzē-ən How to pronounce zein (audio) \

Definition of zein

: a protein from corn that lacks lysine and tryptophan and is used especially in making textile fibers, plastics, printing inks, coatings, and adhesives and sizes

Examples of zein in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Photo: zein al rifai/Agence France-Presse/Getty Images An Assad regime offensive on Idlib would position Russia and Turkey on opposite ends of the conflict, with Russian air power poised to target areas containing Turkish troops. — Sune Engel Rasmussen, WSJ, "Turkey Tries to Forestall Syrian Offensive," 14 Sep. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'zein.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of zein

1820, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for zein

New Latin Zea, genus of grasses including corn, from Greek zeai, plural, wheat; akin to Sanskrit yava barley

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Dictionary Entries near zein

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Zeidae

zeiform

zein

zeitgeber

zeitgeist

Zelkoua

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Time Traveler for zein

The first known use of zein was in 1820

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More Definitions for zein

zein

noun
ze·​in | \ ˈzē-ən How to pronounce zein (audio) \

Medical Definition of zein

: a protein from Indian corn that lacks lysine and tryptophan

More from Merriam-Webster on zein

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with zein

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about zein

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