ETYM Latin, from albus white.
White of egg; substance surrounding embryo in seed.
1. The white of an egg.
2. Nourishing matter stored up within the integuments of the seed in many plants, but not incorporated in the embryo. It is the floury part in corn, wheat, and like grains, the oily part in poppy seeds, etc.
3. Same as Albumin.

Protein forming chief constituent of animal and plant tissues.
Any of a group of sulfur-containing proteins. The best known is in the form of egg white; others occur in milk, and as a major component of serum. Many vegetables and fluids also contain albumins. They are soluble in water and dilute salt solutions, and are coagulated by heat.
The presence of albumin in the urine, termed albuminuria or proteinuria, may be a symptom of a kidney disorder.
A simple water-soluble protein found in many animal tissues and liquids; SYN. albumen.

ETYM Greek protos first: cf. prwteion the first place.
Proteid; organic compound of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen, with other elements, essential to life in food and as part of every living cell.
Complex, biologically important substance composed of amino acids joined by peptide bonds. Proteins are essential to all living organisms. As enzymes they regulate all aspects of metabolism. Structural proteins such as keratin and collagen make up the skin, claws, bones, tendons, and ligaments; muscle proteins produce movement; hemoglobin transports oxygen; and membrane proteins regulate the movement of substances into and out of cells. For humans, protein is an essential part of the diet, and is found in greatest quantity in soy beans and other grain legumes, meat, eggs, and cheese.
Other types of bond, such as sulfur–sulfur bonds, hydrogen bonds, and cation bridges between acid sites, are responsible for creating the protein's characteristic three-dimensional structure, which may be fibrous, globular, or pleated. Protein provides 4 kcal of energy per gram (60 g per day is required).
Any of a large group of nitrogenous organic compounds that are essential constituents of living cells; consist of long strings of amino acids.

ETYM Cf. French albumineux.
Relating to or containing or resembling albumin.