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

Ancient DNA research indicates that lactase persistence is less than 5,000 years old in Europe.

From Salon ● May 25, 2023

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 Steve Solomon

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