esterase

[ es-tuh-reys, -reyz ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. any enzyme that hydrolyzes an ester into an alcohol and an acid.

esterase

/ ˈɛstəˌreɪs; -ˌreɪz /

noun

1. any of a group of enzymes that hydrolyse esters into alcohols and acids

Word History and Origins

Origin of esterase¹

First recorded in 1915–20; ester + -ase

Example Sentences

It inactivates an enzyme which controls the transmission of nerve impulses to muscle, acetylcholine esterase.

From Project Gutenberg