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.

QUIZZES

PRACTICE SOME ESCAPISM WITH THIS WORD OF THE DAY QUIZ!

We salute you if you remember all the doovers from Word of the Day between May 25 and May 31!
Question 1 of 7
salute
to call out to in order to stop, attract attention, ask aid, etc.
to wield power; exercise rule.
to express respect or praise for; honor; commend.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

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.