collagenase

noun

col·​la·​ge·​nase kə-ˈla-jə-ˌnās How to pronounce collagenase (audio)
ˈkä-lə-jə-,
-ˌnāz How to pronounce collagenase (audio)
: any of a group of proteolytic enzymes that decompose collagen and gelatin

Examples of collagenase in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The researchers found that two compounds strongly inhibited collagenase activity in mouse cells by more than 30% without causing any toxic damage to the cells. New Atlas, 6 Sep. 2024 The overactivity of the skin enzyme collagenase can degrade collagen, which is a major factor in the loss of skin elasticity and thickness and contributes to skin aging and the formation of wrinkles. New Atlas, 6 Sep. 2024 For example, the sun causes certain genes to product collagenase, an enzyme that degrades collagen in your skin. Dr. Leslie Baumann, miamiherald, 27 Apr. 2018 Retinoids block the production of collagenase and turn on the genes that make your skin produce collagen. Dr. Leslie Baumann, miamiherald, 27 Apr. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'collagenase.' 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

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of collagenase was in 1926

Dictionary Entries Near collagenase

Cite this Entry

“Collagenase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/collagenase. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

collagenase

noun
col·​la·​ge·​nase kə-ˈlaj-ə-ˌnās How to pronounce collagenase (audio) ˈkäl-ə-jə- How to pronounce collagenase (audio)
-ˌnāz
: any of a group of proteolytic enzymes that decompose collagen and gelatin

More from Merriam-Webster on collagenase

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!