Ossein
/ˈɒs.i.ɪn/noun
The organic substance that remains after the mineral matter has been removed from bone.
Did you know?Ossein was identified in early chemistry as the “animal matter” of bone, and its name comes from Latin os, meaning “bone,” the same root behind words like ossify.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Latin
Latin
os, ossis
“bone”
18th Century
French
osseine
“the organic substance of bone”
19th Century
English
ossein
“the organic matter remaining after bone is decalcified”
Modern English
English
ossein
“the proteinaceous framework of bone after removal of mineral salts”