decarboxylase

[ dee-kahr-bok-suh-leys, -leyz ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. any of the class of enzymes that catalyze the release of carbon dioxide from the carboxyl group of certain organic acids.

decarboxylase

/ ˌdiːkɑːˈbɒksɪˌleɪs /

noun

1. an enzyme that catalyses the removal of carbon dioxide from a compound

Word History and Origins

Origin of decarboxylase¹

First recorded in 1935–40; decarboxyl(ate) + -ase