lactase

American  

[lak-teys, -teyz] / 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

Example Sentences

For example, lactose intolerance is a metabolic condition that happens when the body doesn't produce enough lactase.

From Salon • Jan. 28, 2025

As an example, the researchers investigated the lactase gene, which encodes a protein that helps digest lactose and is highly varied across Europe.

From Science Daily • Nov. 7, 2023

But lactose is not fermentable, so it doesn’t get consumed by the yeast, which does not have the lactase enzyme and therefore is just as lactose-intolerant as any of your cheese-avoidant friends.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 8, 2023

In a new report, scientists argue that the lactase mutation only became important to survival when Europeans began enduring epidemics and famines.

From New York Times • Jul. 28, 2022

It is possible to take lactase to break down the milk sugars for example; sometimes aids such as hydrochloric acid, pepsin, and pancreatin help.

From How and When to Be Your Own Doctor by Solomon, Steve