chitin

1 9.1

A strong, slightly see-through material that makes the hard shells of crabs and the walls of some fungi

noun
/ˈkaɪtɪn/

Specialized

: quitina

Insect and crustacean shells are made of a sugar polymer known as chitin (also a major component of fungal cell walls).
chitin and chitosan
chitin shell
chitin fibers

Examples

For quantification of fungal growth in the organs, the chitin assay was used (7, 18).

Blog text (7)
It's composed of long chains of a sugar called chitin embedded in a protein matrix.
The clatter of chitin against tile interrupted her reply.

Fiction book (1992)
When the brine shrimps eat algae, the astaxanthine contained in them is incorporated into their chitin shell.

Blog text (2)
The exoskeleton of the insect is made of chitin, providing both protection and support.
Chitin constitutes the primary structural component of the cell walls of certain fungi.
Researchers have discovered that chitin can be used to create biodegradable packaging materials.

Surface Forms

chitin singular

chitins plural

Etymology

Chitin comes from the Greek word chiton, meaning 'tunic' or 'covering'. Think of chitin as a hard little 'tunic' or coat that insects, crabs and some fungi wear, which is why it is the tough material in their shells and cell walls.