volutin

noun

vo·​lu·​tin ˈväl-yə-ˌtin  və-ˈlü-tᵊn 

: a granular basophilic substance containing nucleic acids that is found especially in cells of microorganisms

Word History

Etymology

German, from New Latin volutans, specific epithet of the bacterium Spirillum volutans in which it was first found

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

volutin

noun

vo·​lu·​tin ˈväl-yə-ˌtin  və-ˈlüt-ᵊn 

: a granular basophilic substance containing nucleic acids that is found especially in cells of microorganisms (as bacteria, yeast, and protozoans) and is believed to function as a phosphate reserve

called also metachromatin