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bromelain

American  
[broh-muh-luhn, -leyn] / ˈbroʊ mə lən, -ˌleɪn /

noun

Biochemistry.
  1. an enzyme, found in pineapple, that breaks down protein and is used as a meat tenderizer.


Etymology

Origin of bromelain

1890–95; apparently bromel(in) an earlier name for the enzyme ( Bromel(ia) a genus that formerly included the pineapple ( see bromeliad) + -in 2 ) + (pap)ain

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

To learn about other natural approaches, from boswellia and bromelain to ashwagandha and turmeric, you may find our “eGuide to Alternatives for Arthritis” helpful.

From Seattle Times Feb. 14, 2024

Consequently, we don’t know if eating pineapple, drinking its juice, or taking bromelain tablets derived from pineapple will help other tinnitus victims.

From Seattle Times Sep. 3, 2023

In any form, pineapple is a good source of the anti-inflammatory enzyme bromelain.

From Washington Post Dec. 10, 2021

In this stir-fry, a group of enzymes in fresh pineapple, bromelain, breaks down the connective tissues of fibrous chicken, turning the otherwise taut meat into slackened nuggets.

From New York Times Jun. 4, 2021

For example, pineapple have a protease called bromelain, kiwifruit has actinidin and papaya have papain.

From US News Apr. 27, 2016

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