amylase

noun

am·​y·​lase ˈa-mə-ˌlās How to pronounce amylase (audio)
-ˌlāz
: any of a group of enzymes (such as amylopsin) that catalyze the hydrolysis of starch and glycogen or their intermediate hydrolysis products

Examples of amylase in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The team used these genomes to assess the variety of contemporary amylase regions. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 5 Sep. 2024 According to Pozniak, the best way to tackle this is to first go after the sugar with an enzymatic stain treatment (most stain-removing sprays will have enzymes like amylase, which is the one specific for sugar). Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 8 Aug. 2024 But Take Note This powder contains a digestive enzyme blend, including lactase, amylase, and lipase, which are generally considered safe and may improve digestion in some. Alexandra Paetow Ms Rdn, Parents, 15 Apr. 2024 Digestive Enzymes: Enzymes such as amylase and protease aid in breaking down food particles more efficiently, ensuring better nutrient absorption and reducing the appeal of undigested waste. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 5 Aug. 2023 Enzyme supplements such as amylase (for carbohydrates), protease (for proteins), and lipase (for fats) can aid in digestion and reduce symptoms of bloating, gas, and indigestion, especially for individuals with enzyme deficiencies or digestive disorders. Marilyn La Jeunesse, Glamour, 12 Apr. 2024 Unlike other carbohydrates, resistant starch is not susceptible to the action of amylase, an enzyme in the small intestine that breaks food down into smaller parts. Sarah Garone, Health, 21 Nov. 2023 Compared to other dish detergents, these dishwasher pods have upgraded enzymes, such as the amylase enzyme, that provide double the scrubbing power during the wash cycle. Brittany Vanderbill, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Oct. 2023 After seeing the gila monster venom spur a huge spike in amylase, Raufman began to focus on better understanding exactly what was in it. Megan Molteni and Elaine Chen, STAT, 30 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'amylase.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of amylase was in 1883

Dictionary Entries Near amylase

Cite this Entry

“Amylase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amylase. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

amylase

noun
am·​y·​lase ˈam-ə-ˌlās How to pronounce amylase (audio)
-lāz
: an enzyme that speeds up the digestion of starch or glycogen

called also diastase

Medical Definition

amylase

noun
am·​y·​lase ˈam-ə-ˌlās, -ˌlāz How to pronounce amylase (audio)
: any of a group of enzymes (as amylopsin) that catalyze the hydrolysis of starch and glycogen or their intermediate hydrolysis products

More from Merriam-Webster on amylase

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