keration

Keration is a term that can refer to a few different concepts, primarily in the fields of biology and linguistics. In biology, it is often used as a less common synonym for keratin, the tough, fibrous structural protein that makes up hair, nails, feathers, horns, and the outer layer of skin in vertebrates. This protein is crucial for providing protection and structural integrity to these tissues.

In linguistics, "keration" or similar spellings have appeared in various contexts, sometimes referring to hypothetical or reconstructed proto-languages or specific phonological changes within language families. These usages are generally confined to academic linguistic research and may not be widely recognized outside of specialized fields. It's important to consider the context in which "keration" is used to determine its specific meaning. Without further context, the biological reference to keratin is the most probable interpretation for a general audience. The precise etymology and historical usage of "keration" as a distinct term, separate from keratin, can be complex and may vary depending on the specific academic discipline.