lysozyme

[ lahy-suh-zahym ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. an enzyme that is destructive of bacteria and functions as an antiseptic, found in tears, leukocytes, mucus, egg albumin, and certain plants.

lysozyme

/ ˈlaɪsəˌzaɪm /

noun

1. an enzyme occurring in tears, certain body tissues, and egg white: destroys bacteria by hydrolysing polysaccharides in their cell walls

Word History and Origins

Origin of lysozyme¹

First recorded in 1920–25; lyso- + (en)zyme

Word History and Origins

Origin of lysozyme¹

C20: from lyso- + ( en ) zyme