sericin

American  

[ser-uh-sin] / ˈsɛr ə sɪn /

noun

1. a gelatinous organic compound that holds the two strands of natural silk together.

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sericin British  

/ ˈsɛrɪsɪn /

noun

1. a gelatinous protein found on the fibres of raw silk

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Etymology

Origin of sericin

First recorded in 1835–45; seric- + -in ²

Example Sentences

Raw silk consists of the true silk fibre known as fibroin and a gummy coating, sericin, which dulls the lustre of the silk unless removed.

From Soap-Making Manual A Practical Handbook on the Raw Materials, Their Manipulation, Analysis and Control in the Modern Soap Plant. by Thomssen, E. G.

The soap is often used in conjunction with carbonate of soda to assist the removal of the sericin, but, whilst carbonates are permissible, it is necessary to avoid an excess of caustic soda.

From The Handbook of Soap Manufacture by Simmons, W. H.

Silk Industry.—Silk is secured to remove the sericin or silk-glue and adhering matter from the raw silk, producing thereby lustre on the softened fibre and thus preparing it for the dyer.

From The Handbook of Soap Manufacture by Simmons, W. H.

Cold strong acetic acid, so-called glacial acetic acid, removes the yellowish colouring matter from raw silk without dissolving the sericin or silk-gum.

From The Chemistry of Hat Manufacturing Lectures Delivered Before the Hat Manufacturers' Association by Shonk, Albert

The outer envelope of silk-glue or sericin can be dissolved off the inner fibroïn fibre by means of hot water, or warm water with a little soap.

From The Chemistry of Hat Manufacturing Lectures Delivered Before the Hat Manufacturers' Association by Shonk, Albert