catalase

American

[kat-l-eys, -eyz] / ˈkæt lˌeɪs, -ˌeɪz /

noun

Biochemistry.

an enzyme that decomposes hydrogen peroxide into oxygen and water.

catalase British

/ ˈkætəˌleɪs /

noun

an enzyme that catalyses the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide

"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

Other Word Forms

catalatic

adjective

Etymology

Origin of catalase

First recorded in 1900–05; catal(ysis) + -ase

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.

When the researchers treated stressed skin cells with catalase, a naturally occurring antioxidant enzyme that breaks down hydrogen peroxide, cellular stress levels dropped.

From Science Daily • Jan. 20, 2026

The researchers suggest that future wound dressings infused with antioxidants such as catalase could help promote healing.

From Science Daily • Jan. 20, 2026

That something seems to be related to an enzyme called catalase.

From Economist • Sep. 30, 2010

Dr Watabe found that the offspring of calorie-restricted mothers have more catalase than those of mothers who were fed without restriction.

From Economist • Sep. 30, 2010

I. Observations on the catalase activity of tissues in avian polyneuritis.

From The Vitamine Manual by Eddy, Walter H.

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023