zeinhttp://www.oed.com/dictionary/zein_n%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_usezein, n.
Revised 2018

zeinnoun

Biochemistry.
  1. 1820–
    The principal protein of maize, used in the manufacture of fibres, coatings, and polymers, and also to glaze and coat foods such as confectionery, nuts, and meat. In later use also (as a count noun): any of the proteins of the prolamine class of which this material consists.
    1. 1820
      This substance I shall call zeïne, not from any wish to multiply vegetable principles, nor because I think it of any importance, but merely that it may be definitely described and designated without circumlocution.
      J. Gorham in New Eng. Journal Med. & Surgery vol. 9 324
    2. 1822
      The zëine of John Gorham, is obtained from Indian corn, by infusing it in water.
      Quarterly Journal Science, Literature, & Arts July 402
    3. 1877
      Zein,..a nitrogenous substance obtained from maize-flour.
      H. Watts, Dictionary of Chemistry vol. V. 1066
    4. 1919
      A desperate attempt was made to substitute maize for wheat, because it contained 5 to 7 per cent. of protein—called zein—a perfectly good protein in the books and in the laboratories.
      W. Hutchinson, Doctor in War iii. 42
    5. 1976
      A low-quality or nutritionally ‘incomplete’ protein such as the zein of corn, which lacks the amino acids tryptophan and lysine, cannot support either maintenance or growth.
      Scientific American September 59/1
    6. 1989
      Zeins, the prolamins of maize, are a group of highly hydrophobic storage proteins..that constitute 50% to 60% of the total protein in the endosperm of the kernel.
      Journal of Heredity vol. 80 17/1
    7. 2008
      Development of economical methods for extraction of zein and formulation of products is an area of active research.
      N. N. Nichols & R. J. Bothast in W. Vermerris, Genetic Improvem. Bioenergy Crops iii. 84

zein, n. was revised in June 2018.

zein, n. was last modified in July 2023.