How Do You Spell KERATINOUS?

Pronunciation: [kəɹˈatɪnəs] (IPA)

Keratinous is an adjective used to describe substances, tissues, or structures composed of keratin, a fibrous protein found in hair, nails, hooves, and other integumentary structures in vertebrates. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /kɛrəˈtɪnəs/, where the stress is on the second syllable. The "k" is pronounced as /k/, the "e" is pronounced as /ɛ/, the "r" is pronounced as /r/, and the "t" is pronounced as /t/. The "i" is pronounced as /ɪ/ and the final "ous" is pronounced as /əs/.

KERATINOUS Meaning and Definition

1. Keratinous is an adjective used to describe a substance or structure that is composed of keratin. Keratin is a tough, insoluble protein that is the main structural component of hair, nails, and the outermost layer of the skin, known as the epidermis. It is found in various organisms, particularly in vertebrates.

   In the context of biology and anatomy, the term keratinous refers to anything that contains or is made up of keratin. For instance, the surface layer of an animal's scales, feathers, or horns can be referred to as keratinous. Similarly, the hard outer covering of an insect or reptile, known as the exoskeleton, is often composed of keratinous material.

   The keratinous nature of these structures gives them their strength, durability, and protective properties. It provides a protective barrier against environmental factors such as heat, moisture, and abrasion. This resilience enables keratinous structures to resist damage, maintain their shape, and fulfill their intended functions in the organism.

   Overall, the term keratinous is used to describe anything that is made of keratin or has properties reminiscent of this protein. Its use is particularly common in biological and anatomical contexts, where it helps specify the presence or composition of keratin in various structures and substances.

2. Relating to keratin.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for KERATINOUS

• keratinose
• keratonous
• jeratinous
• meratinous
• leratinous
• oeratinous
• ieratinous
• kwratinous
• ksratinous
• kdratinous
• krratinous
• k4ratinous
• k3ratinous
• keeatinous
• kedatinous
• kefatinous
• ketatinous
• ke5atinous
• ke4atinous
• kerztinous

Etymology of KERATINOUS

The word "keratinous" is derived from the noun "keratin", which originates from the Greek word "keras" meaning "horn". Keratin refers to a tough, fibrous protein that is the main structural component of hair, nails, hooves, feathers, and other similar structures in vertebrates. The suffix "-ous" is a common ending denoting possession or full of a particular quality. Thus, "keratinous" describes something that possesses or is made of keratin.