hyaluronidase

[ hahy-uh-loo-ron-i-deys, -deyz ]

noun

Biochemistry. a mucolytic enzyme found in the testes, in snake venom, and in hemolytic streptococci and certain other bacteria, that decreases the viscosity of the intercellular matrix by breaking down hyaluronic acid.
Pharmacology. a commercial form of this substance, used chiefly to promote the diffusion of intradermally injected drugs.

Origin of hyaluronidase

1935–40; hyaluron(ic acid) + -id- (by analogy with amidase, peptidase, etc.) + -ase

Words Nearby hyaluronidase

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British Dictionary definitions for hyaluronidase

hyaluronidase

/ (ˌhaɪəlʊˈrɒnɪˌdeɪs, -ˌdeɪz) /

noun

an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid, thus decreasing the viscosity of the medium containing the acid

Origin of hyaluronidase

C20: hyalo- + Greek ouron urine + -id ³ + -ase

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

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