adhesin

noun

ad·​he·​sin ad-ˈhē-zᵊn 

plural adhesins

: any of various specialized molecular components (such as proteins) on the surface of a bacterial cell that bring about adhesion by attaching to the surface of other cells or structures

At the tip of each pilus is an adhesin, a protein designed to stick to a surface molecule of the bacterium's target cells.

—John Travis, Science News, 26 Apr. 1997

Cranberries have been shown to help prevent recurrent urinary tract infections but not by changing acidity. They contain chemicals that block adhesins and prevent bacteria from sticking to urinary tract cells.

—Gabe Mirkin, Washington Times, 28 Oct. 2001

Word History

Etymology

adhes- (in adhesion or adhesive entry 1) + -in entry 1

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

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