papain

American  

[puh-pey-in, -pahy-in] / pəˈpeɪ ɪn, -ˈpaɪ ɪn /

noun

1. Biochemistry. a proteolytic enzyme found in the fruit of the papaya tree, Carica papaya.

2. Pharmacology. a commercial preparation of this used as a meat tenderizer and in medicine as a digestant.

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papain British  

/ pəˈpeɪɪn, -ˈpaɪɪn /

noun

1. a proteolytic enzyme occurring in the unripe fruit of the papaya tree, Carica papaya: used as a meat tenderizer and in medicine as an aid to protein digestion

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Etymology

Origin of papain

First recorded in 1885–90; papa(ya) + -in ²

Example Sentences

The doctor recommending this remedy suggested that the papain in meat tenderizer breaks down the venom in the sting.

From Seattle Times

A:A doctor first reported the benefits of papain, an enzyme from papaya fruit, for treating heartburn in The British Medical Journal on April 3, 1886.

From Seattle Times

And the smaller events, in many cases, produced genes associated with being carnivorous — like the ones that make papain, an enzyme in meat tenderizer.

From New York Times

The formula contains the fruit enzyme papain as well as zinc, both of which are intended to fight plaque.

From New York Times

The leaves of this papaw contain, in their abundant sap, a solvent, papain, which has the property of destroying the connective tissue in meats.

From Project Gutenberg