the enamel-like substance that forms the outer layer of the scales of certain fish
ganoin in American English
(ˈɡænouɪn)
noun
Ichthyology
a hard, shiny, enamellike substance secreted by the corium, composing the outer layer of the scales of certain fishes
Also: ganoine
Word origin
[1855–60; gano(id) + -in2]This word is first recorded in the period 1855–60. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: boilerplate, keyword, kickoff, output, specialist-in is a noun suffix used in a special manner in chemical and mineralogical nomenclature(glycerin; acetin, etc.). In spelling, usage wavers between -in and -ine. In chemistry a certain distinction of use is attempted, basic substances havingthe termination -ine rather than -in (aconitine; aniline, etc.), and -in being restricted to certain neutral compounds, glycerides, glucosides, and proteids(albumin; palmitin, etc.), but this distinction is not always observed