amylase

noun

am·​y·​lase ˈa-mə-ˌlās How to pronounce amylase (audio)
-ˌlāz
: any of a group of enzymes (such as amylopsin) that catalyze the hydrolysis of starch and glycogen or their intermediate hydrolysis products

Examples of amylase in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Unlike other carbohydrates, resistant starch is not susceptible to the action of amylase, an enzyme in the small intestine that breaks food down into smaller parts. Sarah Garone, Health, 21 Nov. 2023 Compared to other dish detergents, these dishwasher pods have upgraded enzymes, such as the amylase enzyme, that provide double the scrubbing power during the wash cycle. Brittany Vanderbill, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Oct. 2023 After seeing the gila monster venom spur a huge spike in amylase, Raufman began to focus on better understanding exactly what was in it. Megan Molteni and Elaine Chen, STAT, 30 Sep. 2023 Another advantage of this veterinary diet is the addition of digestive enzymes such as protease and amylase. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 11 Aug. 2023 By providing a blend of enzymes including protease, amylase, and lipase, these supplements can help your body break down food more efficiently and effectively. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 5 June 2023 Also, the authors find normal variation in wolves for this trait, implying that amylase polymorphism is part of standing genetic variations. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 9 June 2013 Proteolytic enzymes such as fungal amylase (in legume seeds) and protease (in ginger) help break down muscle fiber protein into its constituent amino acids. Catherine Hu, Discover Magazine, 31 Mar. 2015 Furthermore, adding fluids that contain mucins or alpha-amylase may have a larger facilitating effect on mastication than the addition of water alone. Ncbi Rofl, Discover Magazine, 5 Mar. 2012

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

1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of amylase was in 1883

Dictionary Entries Near amylase

Cite this Entry

“Amylase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amylase. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

amylase

noun
am·​y·​lase ˈam-ə-ˌlās How to pronounce amylase (audio)
-lāz
: an enzyme that speeds up the digestion of starch or glycogen

called also diastase

Medical Definition

amylase

noun
am·​y·​lase ˈam-ə-ˌlās, -ˌlāz How to pronounce amylase (audio)
: any of a group of enzymes (as amylopsin) that catalyze the hydrolysis of starch and glycogen or their intermediate hydrolysis products

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