casein

noun

ca·​sein ˈkā-ˌsēn How to pronounce casein (audio)
kā-ˈsēn
: a phosphoprotein of milk: such as
a
: one that is precipitated from milk by heating with an acid or by the action of lactic acid in souring and is used in making paints and adhesives
b
: one that is produced when milk is curdled by rennet, is the chief constituent of cheese, and is used in making plastics

Examples of casein in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Allergic reactions to milk are immune responses to proteins—whey and casein—in the milk, unlike lactose intolerance reactions which produce gut symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, constipation and abdominal cramping. David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 There are many popular protein supplements, including whey, casein, and soy protein. Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 30 Oct. 2024 Whey is digested more quickly than other protein products, such as soy or casein. Mary Choy, Health, 21 Oct. 2024 Cottage Cheese and Fruit Cottage cheese is rich in calcium and a good source of casein protein, which is easily digested and absorbed slowly. Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 8 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for casein 

Word History

Etymology

probably from French caséine, from Latin caseus cheese

First Known Use

1823, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of casein was in 1823

Dictionary Entries Near casein

Cite this Entry

“Casein.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/casein. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

casein

noun
ca·​sein ˈkā-ˌsēn How to pronounce casein (audio)
kā-ˈsēn
1
: a phosphorus-containing protein that is separated from milk especially by the action of acid that is used in making paints and adhesives
2
: a phosphorus-containing protein that is produced when milk is made to form curds by rennet, that makes up a major part of cheese, and that is used in making plastics

Medical Definition

casein

noun
: any of several phosphoproteins of milk: as
a
: one that occurs as a colloidal suspension in milk

called also caseinogen

b
: one that is produced when milk is curdled by rennet, is the chief constituent of cheese, and is used in making plastics

called also paracasein

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