amylase

[ am-uh-leys, -leyz ]

/ ˈæm əˌleɪs, -ˌleɪz /

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noun Biochemistry.

any of a widely distributed class of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of starch, glycogen, and related polysaccharides to oligosaccharides, maltose, or glucose.

any of several digestive enzymes that break down starches.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of amylase

First recorded in 1890–95; amyl- + -ase

Words nearby amylase

amygdule, amyl, amylaceous, amyl acetate, amyl alcohol, amylase, amylene, amyl group, amylic, amyl nitrite, amylo-

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use amylase in a sentence

So “we can use amylase and cortisol as representatives of stress,” she says.
Cool Jobs: Saliva offers a spitting image of our health|Kathiann Kowalski|May 6, 2021|Science News For Students
The influence of small amounts of asparagine in enormously increasing the hydrolytic effect of amylase is an example.
The Chemistry of Plant Life|Roscoe Wilfred Thatcher
Amylase: removal of starch (paste), small in proportion to begin with.
The Propaganda for Reform in Proprietary Medicines, Vol. 2 of 2|Various

British Dictionary definitions for amylase

amylase

/ (ˈæmɪˌleɪz) /

noun

any of several enzymes that hydrolyse starch and glycogen to simple sugars, such as glucose. They are present in saliva

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

Scientific definitions for amylase

amylase

[ ăm′ə-lās′ ]

Any of various enzymes that cause starches to break down into smaller sugars, especially maltose, by hydrolysis. There are two types of amylases, alpha-amylases and beta-amylases. In humans, an alpha-amylase known as ptyalin is present in saliva and is also produced by the pancreas for secretion into the small intestine. Beta-amylases are found in bacteria, molds, yeasts, and the seeds of plants.