amylase

[ am-uh-leys, -leyz ]
/ ˈæm əˌleɪs, -ˌleɪz /

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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decorum
the act of or need for making up one's mind.
dignified propriety of behavior, speech, dress, etc.
a company of singers, especially an organized group employed in church service.
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Origin of amylase

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

Words nearby amylase

amyl group, amyl nitrite, amyl propionate, amyl-, amylaceous, amylase, amylase-creatinine clearance ratio, amylasuria, amylene, amylic, amylin
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for amylase

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

Medical definitions for amylase

amylase
[ ăm′ə-lās′, -lāz′ ]

n.

Any of a group of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of starch to sugar to produce carbohydrate derivatives.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.