chitin Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a tough semitransparent horny substance; the principal component of the exoskeletons of arthropods and the cell walls of certain fungi

WordNet


Chi"tin noun
Etymology
See Chiton.
Definitions
  1. (Chem.) A white amorphous horny substance forming the harder part of the outer integument of insects, crustacea, and various other invertebrates; entomolin.

Webster 1913