tyrosinase

noun

ty·​ros·​i·​nase tə-ˈrä-sə-ˌnās How to pronounce tyrosinase (audio)
tī-,
-ˌnāz
: a copper-containing enzyme that promotes the oxidation of phenols (such as tyrosine) and is widespread in plants and animals

Examples of tyrosinase in a Sentence

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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.
And then there’s hydroquinone, another well-known, though somewhat controversial, tyrosinase inhibitor. — Jenna Ryu, SELF, 4 Mar. 2025 Resorcinol works by blocking tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production, which helps fade dark spots and keeps new ones from popping up. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 20 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tyrosinase was in 1896

Rhymes for tyrosinase

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“Tyrosinase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tyrosinase. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

tyrosinase

noun
ty·​ros·​i·​nase tə-ˈräs-ə-ˌnās, tī-, -ˌnāz How to pronounce tyrosinase (audio)
: an enzyme that promotes the oxidation of phenols (as tyrosine) and is widespread in plants and animals

More from Merriam-Webster on tyrosinase

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tyrosinase

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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