lactase

American  

[lak-teys, -teyz] / ˈlæk teɪs, -ˌteɪz /

noun

Biochemistry.

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

---

lactase British  

/ ˈlækteɪs, -teɪz /

noun

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

---

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.

---

Etymology

Origin of lactase

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

Example Sentences

Lactase enzyme is added to some creamers to benefit those with lactose intolerance — as those individuals don’t manufacture the enzyme on their own.

From Seattle Times • May 2, 2024

Lactase enables us to digest the milk sugar lactose, so lactase persistence is useful for a diet involving dairy products.

From Salon • May 25, 2023

Lactase persistence had a harder time becoming established in parts of southern Europe, because Neolithic farmers had settled there before the mutation appeared.

From Nature • Jul. 31, 2013

Lactase persistence—the ability to digest milk as adults—is the poster child for this.

From Slate • Apr. 7, 2013

Lactase comes in pills or drops meant to be consumed along with dairy products, and it is used to treat special brands of milk.

From Time Magazine Archive