noun
Uncommon
Chaplin
CHAP-lihn
Chaplin (noun) means a type of bacterial protein that assembles into thin fibril structures rather than coiling up. Example: “Researchers studied chaplins to understand how some bacteria form tough surface coatings.”
noun
1
A type of bacterial protein that assembles into thin fibril structures rather than coiling up.
"Researchers studied chaplins to understand how some bacteria form tough surface coatings."
How to use Chaplin
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA surname (famously Charlie Chaplin), and a technical term for a bacterial fiber-forming protein.
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Word forms
- Plural
- Chaplins
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Researchers studied _____ to understand how some bacteria form tough surface coatings.
Etymology
As a surname, from Middle English "chapelain" (chaplain), an occupational name; the protein term borrows the surname (echoing Charlie Chaplin) as a scientific label.
Frequently asked questions
What does “Chaplin” mean?
The word “Chaplin” means a type of bacterial protein that assembles into thin fibril structures rather than coiling up. In plain terms, a surname (famously Charlie Chaplin), and a technical term for a bacterial fiber-forming protein.
How do you pronounce “Chaplin”?
“Chaplin” is pronounced CHAP-lihn (/ˈt͡ʃæplɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “Chaplin” in a sentence?
Here is “Chaplin” used in a sentence: “Researchers studied chaplins to understand how some bacteria form tough surface coatings.”
What part of speech is “Chaplin”?
“Chaplin” is a noun.
Where does the word “Chaplin” come from?
The word “Chaplin” comes from Middle English. As a surname, from Middle English "chapelain" (chaplain), an occupational name; the protein term borrows the surname (echoing Charlie Chaplin) as a scientific label.
Is “Chaplin” a common word?
“Chaplin” is an uncommon word in modern English.
