avidin

[ av-i-din, uh-vid-in ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. a protein, found in the white of egg, that combines with and prevents the action of biotin, thus injuring the animal that consumes it in excess by producing biotin deficiency.

avidin

/ əˈvɪdɪn; ˈævɪdɪn /

noun

1. a protein, found in egg-white, that combines with biotin to form a stable compound that cannot be absorbed, leading to a biotin deficiency in the consumer

Word History and Origins

Origin of avidin¹

1940–45; avid + (biot)in; so named from its affinity for biotin

Word History and Origins

Origin of avidin¹

C20: from avid + ( bio ) in ; from its characteristic avidity for biotin