esterase

noun

es·​ter·​ase ˈe-stə-ˌrās How to pronounce esterase (audio)
-ˌrāz
: an enzyme that accelerates the hydrolysis or synthesis of esters

Examples of esterase in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Leukocytes may be detected in urine using a leukocyte esterase test or with an examination under a microscope. Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 30 July 2024 Nothing else in nature pares cocaine down to its inactive components with the tenacity of cocaine esterase, and scientists have long hoped to harness the enzyme for therapeutic purposes. Carl Engelking, Discover Magazine, 26 June 2014

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

1910, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of esterase was in 1910

Dictionary Entries Near esterase

Cite this Entry

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

Medical Definition

esterase

noun
es·​ter·​ase ˈes-tə-ˌrās, -ˌrāz How to pronounce esterase (audio)
: an enzyme that accelerates the hydrolysis or synthesis of esters
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