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

For example, lipase helps break down fats, protease targets proteins, and lactase breaks down the naturally occurring sugar called lactose in dairy products. —Heather Sandison, Contributor, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2025

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

Other people require supplemental proteases because their bodies can't produce or release proteases on their own. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 8 Aug. 2024

As a protease enzyme, bromelain affects the inflammatory process and may be helpful for asthma, cancer, IBD, and other inflammatory conditions.3 Other phytonutrients, called polyphenols, found in pineapple also influence the inflammatory process. —Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 26 Sep. 2024

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

Rhymes for protease

• aldolase
• alleyways
• amylase
• anaphase
• anhydrase
• anyways
• arginase
• cabarets
• carriageways
• castaways
• catalase
• cellulase

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