zein

noun

ze·​in ˈzē-ən 

: 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

Medical Definition

zein

noun

ze·​in ˈzē-ən 

: a protein from Indian corn that lacks lysine and tryptophan