Tanning
- Pronunciation
- /TAN-ing/
- Category
- Physiology
- Singular
- Tanning
- Plural
- Tanning
Definition
The process by which insects, particularly after molting, undergo hardening and darkening of the cuticle due to the cross-linking of proteins, often involving quinones.
Etymology
From Middle English 'tan', meaning 'to dye'.
Example
The tanning process in insects can help to protect their cuticle and provide rigidity and color.