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protein definition

pro·tein (prō′tēn′, prō′tē in)

noun

any of a large class of complex polymers consisting of long chains of polypeptides often bonded with nucleic acids, lipids, etc.: proteins are found in all cells, are essential to the diet of animals, are the basic components of cartilage, hair, skin, etc., and often function as enzymes, hormones, or antibodies

Etymology: Ger < Fr protéine < Gr prōteios, prime, chief < prōtos, first (see proto-): from being a chief constituent of plant and animal bodies

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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