hemocyanin

American  

[hee-muh-sahy-uh-nin, hem-uh-] / ˌhi məˈsaɪ ə nɪn, ˌhɛm ə- /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. a blue, copper-containing respiratory pigment in the plasma of many invertebrates.

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Etymology

Origin of hemocyanin

First recorded in 1835–45; hemo- + cyan- ¹ + -in ²

Example Sentences

Their blood gets that blue-green tint from hemocyanin, which they use instead of hemoglobin to carry oxygen.

From New York Times

Scientists with the company have found that hemocyanin, a protein in the fluid, works as a powerful stimulant for the immune systems, Bayer said.

From Seattle Times

Scientists with the company have found that hemocyanin, a protein in the fluid, works as a powerful stimulant for the immune systems, Bayer said.

From Washington Times

Insects, crustaceans and other arthropods use hemocyanin, a bluish copper-based pigment.

From Scientific American

Mollusks, ranging from clams to squids and octopuses, use hemocyanin, too, but they seem to have invented their version of it independently.

From Scientific American