volutin

noun

vo·​lu·​tin ˈväl-yə-ˌtin How to pronounce volutin (audio) və-ˈlü-tᵊn How to pronounce volutin (audio)
: a granular basophilic substance containing nucleic acids that is found especially in cells of microorganisms

Word History

Etymology

German, from New Latin volutans, specific epithet of the bacterium Spirillum volutans in which it was first found

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of volutin was in 1908

Dictionary Entries Near volutin

Volutidae

volutin

volution

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Volutin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/volutin. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

volutin

noun
vo·​lu·​tin ˈväl-yə-ˌtin How to pronounce volutin (audio) və-ˈlüt-ᵊn How to pronounce volutin (audio)
: a granular basophilic substance containing nucleic acids that is found especially in cells of microorganisms (as bacteria, yeast, and protozoans) and is believed to function as a phosphate reserve

called also metachromatin

More from Merriam-Webster on volutin

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about volutin

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