protease

noun

pro·​te·​ase ˈprō-tē-ˌās 

-ˌāz

: any of numerous enzymes that hydrolyze proteins and are classified according to the most prominent functional group (such as serine or cysteine) at the active site

called also proteinase

Examples of protease in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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

Raw probiotic & enzyme blend: lipase, protease, aspergillopepsin, beta-glucanase, cellulase, bromelain, phytase, lactase, papain, peptidase, pectinase, hemicellulase, xylanase, [lactobacillus bulgaricus, lactobacillus plantarum] (500 million cfu). —Kelsey Kunik, Rd, Health, 25 July 2023

That protein—called a protease—has remained mostly unchanged across variants, Mina added. —Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 29 Sep. 2023

The fungus then uses proteases to digest nematodes that get stuck in its hyphae. —Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 18 Dec. 2023

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French protéase, from protéine protein + -ase -ase

Note: The French term was probably introduced by the Italian microbiologist and philosopher Giovanni Malfitano (1872-1941) in "Sur le protéase de l'Aspergillus niger," Annales de l'Institut Pasteur, tome quatorzième (1900), p. 420. The term protease was used in English without attribution to Malfitano and perhaps coined independently by the British botanist Sydney Howard Vines (1849-1934) in "Proteolytic Enzymes in Plants," Annals of Botany, vol. 17, no. 65 (January, 1903), p. 237.

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing protease

• protease inhibitor

Medical Definition

protease

noun

pro·​te·​ase ˈprōt-ē-ˌās, -ˌāz 

: any of numerous enzymes that hydrolyze proteins and are classified according to the most prominent functional group (as serine or cysteine) at the active site

called also proteinase

compare peptidase