1. the organic protein matrix of bone that remains after the removal of calcium salts
Usage: biochemistry; anatomy

Examples

• The ossein provides flexibility to bones while calcium phosphate provides hardness.
• When bones are treated with acid, the calcium dissolves leaving behind the ossein.
• Ossein is primarily composed of collagen fibers.
• The researcher studied the ossein structure in fossilized remains.
• Gelatin can be produced by boiling ossein.
• The ossein framework gives bone its basic shape and structure.