alliinase

noun

al·​li·​in·​ase ˈa-lē-ə-ˌnās How to pronounce alliinase (audio)
plural alliinases
: an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of alliin to allicin in plants of the genus Allium (such as garlic and onion)
But as soon as you crush or cut a clove of garlic, an enzyme called alliinase is released, converting alliin into allicin.—Judy Foreman, Boston Globe, 19 Feb. 1996

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Alliinase, from Alliin alliin + -ase -ase

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alliinase was in 1947

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Dictionary Entries Near alliinase

Allihn filter tube

alliinase

Alliklik

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Cite this Entry

“Alliinase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alliinase. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

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