lactase

noun

lac·​tase ˈlak-ˌtās 

-ˌtāz

: an enzyme that hydrolyzes beta-galactosides (such as lactose) and occurs especially in the intestines of young mammals and in yeasts

Examples of lactase in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There are different types of enzymes specific to different nutrients, including: protease for proteins lipase for fats lactase for lactose sucrase for sucrose How do digestive enzymes work? —Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 26 Nov. 2024

It's been found that in people with lactose intolerance, variations in the lactase gene change the protein building blocks (amino acids) of the lactase enzyme produced. —New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2024

This often occurs because the damage gluten causes to the small intestine can reduce lactase production, the enzyme needed to digest lactose. —Devineé Lingo, M.s., Health, 5 Oct. 2024

Enzyme lactase: These medications, like Lactaid or Dairy Ease, are meant to help people with lactose intolerance digest foods with lactose and might help prevent protein farting related to lactose. —Cristina Mutchler, Health, 31 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

lactase

noun

lac·​tase ˈlak-ˌtās 

: an enzyme that breaks down lactose and related compounds and occurs especially in the intestines of young mammals and in yeasts

Medical Definition

lactase

noun

lac·​tase ˈlak-ˌtās, -ˌtāz 

: an enzyme that hydrolyzes especially lactose to glucose and galactose and occurs especially in the intestines of young mammals and in yeasts