zein

noun

ze·​in ˈzē-ən How to pronounce zein (audio)
: 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

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of zein was in 1820

Dictionary Entries Near zein

Cite this Entry

“Zein.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zein. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

zein

noun
ze·​in ˈzē-ən How to pronounce zein (audio)
: a protein from Indian corn that lacks lysine and tryptophan

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