The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

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]