Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'chitin'

English Word: chitin

Key Russian Translations:

• хитин [xʲɪˈtʲin] - [Formal, Scientific]

Frequency: Low (Primarily used in scientific, biological, and academic contexts; not common in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with scientific terminology and basic Russian noun declensions)

Pronunciation (Russian):

хитин: [xʲɪˈtʲin]

Note on хитин: The initial "х" is a voiceless velar fricative, similar to the "ch" in Scottish "loch". Pay attention to the palatalized "тʲ" sound, which is common in Russian but may be challenging for English speakers. Variations in pronunciation can occur based on regional accents.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A tough, protective polysaccharide found in the exoskeletons of arthropods and cell walls of fungi.

Translation(s) & Context:

• хитин - Used in formal scientific discussions, biology textbooks, or research papers to describe the chemical structure and biological role of this substance.

Usage Examples:

• Хитин является основным компонентом экзоскелета насекомых, обеспечивая им прочность и защиту.

  Chitin is the main component of the exoskeleton of insects, providing them with strength and protection.

• В химии хитин часто изучается как биополимер с уникальными свойствами.

  In chemistry, chitin is often studied as a biopolymer with unique properties.

• Учёные исследуют хитин для создания новых материалов в медицине.

  Scientists are researching chitin for creating new materials in medicine.

• Хитин в грибах выполняет функцию структурной поддержки, аналогично его роли в членистоногих.

  Chitin in fungi serves a function of structural support, similar to its role in arthropods.

• Из хитина можно извлечь полезные соединения для косметической промышленности.

  Useful compounds can be extracted from chitin for the cosmetic industry.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Хитин" is a masculine noun in Russian (from the second declension). It follows standard noun inflection patterns for case, number, and gender. As a scientific term, it is often used in its base form but can change based on grammatical context.

Note: The plural forms are less commonly used, as "хитин" typically refers to the substance in general.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • китин (a less common variant spelling, essentially identical)
  • хитозан (related compound, but not exact; used in contexts involving derivatives)
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "хитин" is a specific substance without a clear opposite in biological terms.

Related Phrases:

• Экзоскелет из хитина – Exoskeleton made of chitin (used in descriptions of arthropod anatomy).
• Хитиновая оболочка – Chitin shell (refers to protective coverings in biology).
• Биологическая роль хитина – Biological role of chitin (common in scientific discussions).

Usage Notes:

"Хитин" directly corresponds to the English "chitin" as a loanword in Russian scientific vocabulary. It is primarily used in formal or academic settings, so avoid it in casual conversation. When translating, ensure the context is scientific; for example, in biology texts. If multiple translations exist (e.g., due to regional variations), "хитин" is the standard and most precise. Grammatically, remember its masculine gender and declension patterns to maintain sentence accuracy.

Common Errors:

• Error: Mispronouncing as "hitin" without the guttural "х" sound. Correct: Use [xʲɪˈtʲin] to emphasize the fricative.

  Incorrect Russian: "Гитин в насекомых" (which sounds like "gitin").

  Correct Russian: "Хитин в насекомых". Explanation: The "х" is essential for proper pronunciation in Russian.

• Error: Forgetting to decline the noun in sentences, e.g., using nominative in all cases.

  Incorrect Russian: "Из хитин" (instead of genitive).

  Correct Russian: "Из хитина". Explanation: Always adjust for case, such as genitive after prepositions like "из".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian scientific literature, "хитин" reflects the influence of Western biology on Russian academia, particularly during the 19th and 20th centuries. It symbolizes the intersection of Russian research in natural sciences with global knowledge, often appearing in studies of native flora and fauna, such as in the works of Russian biologists exploring Arctic ecosystems.

Related Concepts:

• кератин (keratin)
• целлюлоза (cellulose)
• биополимеры (biopolymers)