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.

hyaluronidase

/ -ˌdeɪz; ˌhaɪəlʊˈrɒnɪˌdeɪs /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of hyaluronidase¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of hyaluronidase¹

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