protease

noun

pro·​te·​ase ˈprō-tē-ˌās How to pronounce protease (audio)
-ˌāz
: any of numerous enzymes that hydrolyze proteins and are classified according to the most prominent functional group (such as serine or cysteine) at the active site

called also proteinase

Examples of protease in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Other people require supplemental proteases because their bodies can't produce or release proteases on their own. Jillian Kubala, Health, 8 Aug. 2024 As a protease enzyme, bromelain affects the inflammatory process and may be helpful for asthma, cancer, IBD, and other inflammatory conditions.3 Other phytonutrients, called polyphenols, found in pineapple also influence the inflammatory process. Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 26 Sep. 2024 Earlier studies found that the neurons that lead to itching directly detect allergens that have protease activity. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 4 Sep. 2024 These proteases break down proteins into shorter chains, called peptides, for the intestine to absorb.2 Here are some of the main proteases found in the body:2 Pepsin: Pepsin is the main protease involved in protein digestion. Jillian Kubala, Health, 8 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for protease 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French protéase, from protéine protein + -ase -ase

Note: The French term was probably introduced by the Italian microbiologist and philosopher Giovanni Malfitano (1872-1941) in "Sur le protéase de l'Aspergillus niger," Annales de l'Institut Pasteur, tome quatorzième (1900), p. 420. The term protease was used in English without attribution to Malfitano and perhaps coined independently by the British botanist Sydney Howard Vines (1849-1934) in "Proteolytic Enzymes in Plants," Annals of Botany, vol. 17, no. 65 (January, 1903), p. 237.

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of protease was in 1903

Dictionary Entries Near protease

Cite this Entry

“Protease.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protease. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

protease

noun
pro·​te·​ase ˈprōt-ē-ˌās, -ˌāz How to pronounce protease (audio)
: any of numerous enzymes that hydrolyze proteins and are classified according to the most prominent functional group (as serine or cysteine) at the active site

called also proteinase

compare peptidase

More from Merriam-Webster on protease

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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