English

Noun

nuclein ‎(plural nucleins)

1. (biochemistry) A phosphorus-rich protein found in the nucleus of a cell, later specifically nucleohistone or nucleoprotamine; also, any similar compound present in the cell nucleus. [from 19th c.]
   • 2003, Bill Bryson, A Short History of Nearly Everything, BCA 2003, p. 354:

     While delving microscopically through the pus in surgical bandages, Miescher found a substance he didn't recognize and called it nuclein (because it resided in the nuclei of cells).

See also

• nucleic acid
• protein