tyrosinase

noun

ty·​ros·​i·​nase tə-ˈrä-sə-ˌnās How to pronounce tyrosinase (audio)
tī-,
-ˌnāz
: a copper-containing enzyme that promotes the oxidation of phenols (such as tyrosine) and is widespread in plants and animals

Examples of tyrosinase in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In addition, three compounds demonstrated skin-brightening properties due to their ability to inhibit tyrosinase activity. New Atlas, 6 Sep. 2024 Kojic acid is often recommended as a gentle, low-risk alternative to hydroquinone, which is also a tyrosinase inhibitor, Dr. Kim says. Devon Abelman, Allure, 3 Oct. 2024 On a biological level, hydroquinone works by inhibiting an enzyme called tyrosinase, which aids in the production of melanin, Dr. Cook-Bolden says. Sara Coughlin, SELF, 26 Sep. 2024 The enzyme tyrosinase is involved in the production of melanin, which determines skin color. New Atlas, 6 Sep. 2024 Essentially, hydroquinone decreases the production of melanin by inhibiting a pigment-producing enzyme called tyrosinase. Taryn Brooke, Allure, 13 Nov. 2023 Wang also mentioned research into melanoma-detecting systems that can check for levels of the enzyme tyrosinase in suspicious skin moles. IEEE Spectrum, 15 Nov. 2019 Besides melianin production, tyrosinase (and hence Tyrp1) is at a key step of catecholamine synthesis. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 3 Sep. 2011 Hydroxytyrosol and Vitamin C are antioxidants that lighten dark spots by directly and indirectly inhibiting tyrosinase activity which reduces the production of melanin. Emily Burns, ELLE, 6 Dec. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tyrosinase was in 1896

Dictionary Entries Near tyrosinase

Cite this Entry

“Tyrosinase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tyrosinase. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

tyrosinase

noun
ty·​ros·​i·​nase tə-ˈräs-ə-ˌnās, tī-, -ˌnāz How to pronounce tyrosinase (audio)
: an enzyme that promotes the oxidation of phenols (as tyrosine) and is widespread in plants and animals

More from Merriam-Webster on tyrosinase

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!