Definition

A type of organic substance found in horns, hooves, nails, and similar structures, which is a key component of certain tissues in animals.

Example

The horse's hoof is made of ceratin, which helps protect its feet.

Conversation

I read something interesting about ceratin in a science article today.

Oh really? What does it say about it?

It mentioned how ceratin is important for things like nails and horns.

That makes sense, it’s fascinating how our bodies use different substances!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'ceratin' originates from the Greek word 'keratinē' (meaning horn), which refers to a type of protein found in hair, nails, and the outer layer of skin. The suffix '-in' is commonly used in chemistry to denote substances, particularly proteins. Therefore, 'ceratin' refers to a protein that is similar to keratin, which is a key structural material in various biological tissues.

Memory Tip

Think of 'keratin' as the protein found in hair and nails, and remember that 'ceratin' is a similar type of protein, hence its connection to the word.

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