sericin

noun

ser·​i·​cin ˈser-ə-sən How to pronounce sericin (audio)
: a gelatinous protein that cements the two fibroin filaments in a silk fiber

Examples of sericin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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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

Time Traveler
The first known use of sericin was in 1859

Dictionary Entries Near sericin

Cite this Entry

“Sericin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sericin. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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