elastin

American

[ih-las-tin] / ɪˈlæs tɪn /

noun

Biochemistry.

a protein constituting the basic substance of elastic tissue.

elastin British

/ ɪˈlæstɪn /

noun

biochem a fibrous scleroprotein constituting the major part of elastic tissue, such as the walls of arteries

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of elastin

First recorded in 1870–75; elast(ic) + -in ²

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In arteries, it showed alternating collagen and elastin layers that support both strength and elasticity.

From Science Daily • Dec. 9, 2025

For instance, one study concluded that GLP-1 drugs cause certain stem cells to behave differently—in particular, the ones that produce collagen and elastin, which are important skin boosters that are diminished by rapid weight loss.

From Slate • Aug. 21, 2025

In addition, rapid weight loss can also lead to the skin losing collagen and elastin, causing what Vogue Magazine has dubbed the gaunt "Ozempic face".

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2023

Radiofrequency technology heats the skin’s outer layer, which increases facial elastin and collagen — factors that give skin a fresh appearance.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 30, 2022

It is an insoluble substance, and, unlike elastin, is not dissolved even by gastric or pancreatic juice.

From The Gutenberg Webster's Unabridged Dictionary Section I, J, K, and L by Project Gutenberg

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023