/zee"in/ , n.
1. Biochem. a soft, yellow powder of simple proteins obtained from corn, used chiefly in the manufacture of textile fibers, plastics, and paper coatings.
2. a synthetic fiber produced from this protein.
[ 1815-25; Ze ( a ) the maize genus (L: emmer zeiá barley, wheat; c. Skt yáva grain) + -IN 2 ]