casein

noun

ca·​sein ˈkā-ˌsēn 

kā-ˈsēn

: a phosphoprotein of milk: such as

a

: one that is precipitated from milk by heating with an acid or by the action of lactic acid in souring and is used in making paints and adhesives

b

: one that is produced when milk is curdled by rennet, is the chief constituent of cheese, and is used in making plastics

Examples of casein in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Whey is digested more quickly than other protein products, such as soy or casein. —Mary Choy, Health, 21 Oct. 2024

Cottage Cheese and Fruit Cottage cheese is rich in calcium and a good source of casein protein, which is easily digested and absorbed slowly. —Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 8 Oct. 2024

All this emphasis on the role casein plays in how cheese melts also helps to explain why vegan cheese—with no casein at all—is relatively soft even when chilled and often downright unappetizing when heated. —Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 2 Oct. 2024

This slower-digesting casein, which gives milk its white color, ensures sustained energy release, making the bar ideal for those longer stretches between meals. —Shushy Rita Setrakian Ms, Rd, Health, 9 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

probably from French caséine, from Latin caseus cheese

First Known Use

1823, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

casein

noun

ca·​sein ˈkā-ˌsēn 

kā-ˈsēn

1

: a phosphorus-containing protein that is separated from milk especially by the action of acid that is used in making paints and adhesives

2

: a phosphorus-containing protein that is produced when milk is made to form curds by rennet, that makes up a major part of cheese, and that is used in making plastics

Medical Definition

casein

noun

ca·​sein ˈkā-ˌsēn, ka-ˈsēn 

: any of several phosphoproteins of milk: as

a

: one that occurs as a colloidal suspension in milk

called also caseinogen

b

: one that is produced when milk is curdled by rennet, is the chief constituent of cheese, and is used in making plastics

called also paracasein