hyaluronidase

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

/ ˌhaɪ ə lʊˈrɒn ɪˌdeɪs, -ˌdeɪz /

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.

Nearby words

hyaloserositis, hyalosis, hyalosome, hyaluronate, hyaluronic acid, hyaluronidase, hyannis port, hyattsville, hybrid, hybrid antibody, hybrid bill

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. 2019

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

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

Medicine definitions for hyaluronidase

hyaluronidase

[ hī′ə-lu-rŏn′ĭ-dās′, -dāz′ ]

n.

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.