chitin

[ kahy-tin ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, Biochemistry.

a nitrogen-containing polysaccharide, related chemically to cellulose, that forms a semitransparent horny substance and is a principal constituent of the exoskeleton, or outer covering, of insects, crustaceans, and arachnids.

chitin

/ ˈkaɪtɪn /

a polysaccharide that is the principal component of the exoskeletons of arthropods and of the bodies of fungi

chitin

/ kīt′n /

A tough, semitransparent substance that is the main component of the exoskeletons of arthropods, such as the shells of crustaceans and the outer coverings of insects. Chitin is also found in the cell walls of certain fungi and algae. Chemically, it is a nitrogenous polysaccharide (a carbohydrate).

Origin of chitin¹

1830–40; < French chitine < Greek chit ( ṓn ) tunic, chiton + French -ine -in ²

Origin of chitin¹

C19: from French chitine, from Greek khitōn chiton + -in

From end to end of the tube is a fine thread of chitin twisted in a close spiral like a spring.

You see, the chitin acts both as armor-plate for the soft parts and also as a firm support to the many muscles.

If, then, this tissue of Pteraspis is not to be looked upon as chitin, how can we imagine its formation?

This layer is easily dissolved in a solution of hypochlorite of soda, a fluid which dissolves chitin.

This cuticle is very much thicker than is usually found in vertebrates, and, strangely enough, has been thought to contain chitin.

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