lactase

noun

lac·​tase ˈlak-ˌtās How to pronounce lactase (audio)
-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 For instance, Lactaid pills contain the enzyme lactase, which helps break down milk sugar in people who are lactose intolerant. Emily Mullin, WIRED, 23 Feb. 2024 The enzymes lactase and sucrase, made in the small intestine, break down dairy sugar and sugar, respectively. Kristen Rogers, CNN, 15 Feb. 2024 Over time, your body produces less of the enzyme lactase. USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2024 The fact that your weight stabilized with proper treatment of your lactase deficiency suggests that there are no other worrisome causes in your case. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 19 May 2022 Lactobacillus acidophilus produces lactic acid by producing the enzyme lactase. Larry Carroll, Discover Magazine, 12 Oct. 2022 By some measures, most adults do not produce the enzyme lactase, which is necessary to break down lactose sugars in milk. Rob Dunn, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2013 Limiting or completely avoiding foods and drinks containing lactose is one way to try to manage the intolerance, as is using products like Lactaid that contain lactase. Melissa Matthews, SELF, 5 Jan. 2021 The widespread ability for humans to process lactase into adulthood is an example of such a mutation. Darren Orf, Popular Mechanics, 7 Mar. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lactase.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lactase was in 1891

Dictionary Entries Near lactase

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

lactase

noun
lac·​tase ˈlak-ˌtās How to pronounce lactase (audio)
: 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
: an enzyme that hydrolyzes especially lactose to glucose and galactose and occurs especially in the intestines of young mammals and in yeasts

More from Merriam-Webster on lactase

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