Zea \Ze"a\ (z[=e]"[.a]), n. [L., a kind of grain, fr. Gr. ze`a, zeia`; cf. Skr. yava barley.] (Bot.) A genus of large grasses of which the Indian corn ({Zea Mays}) is the only species known. Its origin is not yet ascertained. See {Maize}. [1913 Webster]
Zein \Ze"in\, n. [Cf. F. z['e]ine. See {Zea}.] (Chem.) A nitrogenous substance of the nature of gluten, obtained from the seeds of Indian corn ({Zea}) as a soft, yellowish, amorphous substance. [Formerly written {zeine}.] [1913 Webster]