proteoglycan

noun

pro·​teo·​gly·​can ˌprō-tē-ə-ˈglī-ˌkan 

: any of a class of glycoproteins of high molecular weight that are found especially in the extracellular matrix of connective tissue

Examples of proteoglycan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Viruses typically concentrate at heparan sulfate or sulfated proteoglycans (S-PG) prior to gaining cell entry. —Kansas City Star, 24 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

proteo- + glycan

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

proteoglycan

noun

pro·​teo·​gly·​can ˌprōt-ē-ə-ˈglī-ˌkan 

: any of a class of glycoproteins of high molecular weight that are found in the extracellular matrix of connective tissue, are made up mostly of carbohydrate consisting of various polysaccharide side chains linked to a protein, and resemble polysaccharides rather than proteins in their properties