calpain

American  

[kal-peyn] / ˈkæl peɪn /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. a protein that is activated by calcium ions in some synapses and in erythrocytes can affect proteins important in determining cellular shape and deformability: a calcium-activated neutral protease.

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Etymology

Origin of calpain

First recorded in 1980-85; probably cal(cium) ( def. ) + p(rote)a(se) ( def. ) + -in ² ( def. )