proteolysis

[ proh-tee-ol-uh-sis ]

nounBiochemistry.

the breaking down of proteins into simpler compounds, as in digestion.

Origin of proteolysis

1875–80; proteo- (combining form representing protein) + -lysis

Other words from proteolysis

pro·te·o·lyt·ic [proh-tee-uh-lit-ik], /ˌproʊ ti əˈlɪt ɪk/, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use proteolysis in a sentence

These ferments may belong to either of the following well-recognised classes: proteolytic, diastatic, invertin, rennet.
The Elements of Bacteriological Technique | John William Henry Eyre
In December, 1913, Referee A made a large number of new tests to determine proteolytic and amylolytic power.
The Propaganda for Reform in Proprietary Medicines, Vol. 2 of 2 | Various
The bacteria were few in number and hardly any were actively proteolytic.
Scurvy Past and Present | Alfred Fabian Hess
Tryptic: acting like tripsin, the proteolytic ferment of the pancreatic fluid.
Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology | John. B. Smith
The blood contains proteolytic enzymes for certain proteins normally.
The Fundamentals of Bacteriology | Charles Bradfield Morrey

British Dictionary definitions for proteolysis

proteolysis

/ (ˌprəʊtɪˈɒlɪsɪs) /

noun

the hydrolysis of proteins into simpler compounds by the action of enzymes: occurs esp during digestion

Origin of proteolysis

C19: from New Latin, from proteo- (from protein) + -lysis

Derived forms of proteolysis

proteolytic (ˌprəʊtɪəˈlɪtɪk), adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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