Definition of: hyaline

(hī′ə·lin, -līn) noun
1. A glassy surface, as of the sea; something transparent.
2. Biochem. A nitrogenous compound, related to chitin, the chief constituent of hydatid cysts, which on decomposition yields a reducing sugar.
3. Anat. The hyaloid membrane. Also hy′a·lin (-lin).
—adjective Consisting of or resembling glass; transparent: the hyaline substance of a cell. [<L hyalinus <Gk. hyalos glass]