lactase

American  

[lak-tays, -tayz] / ˈlæk teɪs, -ˌteɪz /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. an enzyme capable of hydrolyzing lactose into glucose and galactose.

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lactase British  

/ ˈlækteɪs, -teɪz /

noun

1. any of a group of enzymes that hydrolyse lactose to glucose and galactose

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lactase Scientific  

/ lăk′tās′ /

1. An enzyme that is found in the small intestine, liver, and kidneys of mammals and catalyzes the breakdown of lactose into galactose and glucose.

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Etymology

Origin of lactase

First recorded in 1890–95; lact- + -ase

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

lactase

The lactase enzyme is predominantly at the tip of the villi, or the small hairs in the small intestine.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 12, 2026

The lactase gene determines whether adults can digest milk and affects milk digesting microbes.

From Science Daily ● Dec. 23, 2025

Tubbs explains that Belle Creamers are made with only five ingredients: milk, cream, liquid sugar, natural flavors and lactase enzyme.

From Seattle Times ● May 2, 2024

Someone who is lactose intolerant, "wouldn't put corn syrup on cereal instead of milk," he pointed out, "they buy milk with lactase added," referring to the enzyme that digests lactose.

From Salon ● Sep. 30, 2022

The lactose, maltose, and sucrose are changed through the activity of the lactase, maltase, and invertase into glucose.

From Dietetics for Nurses by Fairfax T. Proudfit

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