Myosin
/ˈmaɪ.oʊ.sɪn/noun
A family of motor proteins that interact with actin to generate force and movement in cells.
Did you know?Myosin was named in the 19th century from Greek mys, meaning “muscle,” because scientists first isolated it from muscle tissue—no occult origin, but a very literal one.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*mus-
“A root associated with mouse and muscle-related forms in later descendants.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
mys
“Muscle; also mouse.”
19th Century
English
myosin
“A protein extracted from muscle, named from Greek mys + the chemical suffix -in.”
Modern English
English
myosin
“A major contractile protein involved in cellular movement and muscle contraction.”