n. [ Cf. F. amidine, fr. amido&unr_; starch, fr. L. amylum, Gr. &unr_; fine meal, neut. of &unr_; not ground at the mill, -- hence, of the finest meal; 'a priv. + &unr_;, &unr_;, mill. See Meal. ] (Chem.) Start modified by heat so as to become a transparent mass, like horn. It is soluble in cold water. [ 1913 Webster ]