asparaginase

[ uh-spar-uh-juh-neys, -neyz ]

noun

, Biochemistry, Pharmacology.

1. an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of asparagine to aspartic acid and ammonia, used in the treatment of acute lymphocytic leukemia.

Word History and Origins

Origin of asparaginase¹

First recorded in 1960–65; asparagine + -ase