histaminase

[ hi-stam-uh-neys, -neyz ]

noun

, Biochemistry, Pharmacology.

1. an enzyme that catalyzes the decomposition of histamine, used in treating allergies.

histaminase

/ hɪˈstæmɪˌneɪs /

noun

1. an enzyme, occurring in the digestive system, that inactivates histamine by removal of its amino group Also calleddiamine oxidase

Word History and Origins

Origin of histaminase¹

First recorded in 1925–30; histamine + -ase