volutin

noun

vo·lu·tin ˈväl-yə-ˌtin

və-ˈlü-tᵊn

: 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

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Volutin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/volutin. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

volutin

noun

vo·lu·tin ˈväl-yə-ˌtin

və-ˈlüt-ᵊn

: 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

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volutin

noun

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near volutin

Cite this Entry

Medical Definition