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hyaluronidase

[hahy-uh-loo-ron-i-deys, -deyz]
noun
  1. 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.
  2. Pharmacology. a commercial form of this substance, used chiefly to promote the diffusion of intradermally injected drugs.
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Origin of hyaluronidase

1935–40; hyaluron(ic acid) + -id- (by analogy with amidase, peptidase, etc.) + -ase
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
British Dictionary definitions for hyaluronidase

hyaluronidase

noun
  1. an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid, thus decreasing the viscosity of the medium containing the acid
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Word Origin for 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
hyaluronidase in Medicine

hyaluronidase

(hī′ə-lu-rŏn′ĭ-dās′, -dāz′)
n.
  1. Any of three enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of hyaluronic acid, thus increasing tissue permeability to fluids. One or more of these enzymes occur in the testes and in spermatozoa.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.