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.

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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.