definitions

nitrogenase

[ nahy-troj-uh-neys, -neyz, nahy-truh-juh- ]
/ naɪˈtrɒdʒ əˌneɪs, -ˌneɪz, ˈnaɪ trə dʒə- /

noun Biochemistry.

an enzyme complex that catalyzes the reduction of molecular nitrogen in the nitrogen-fixation process of bacteria.

Nearby words

nitrogen narcosis, nitrogen partition, nitrogen peroxide, nitrogen tetroxide, nitrogen-fixing, nitrogenase, nitrogenize, nitrogenous, nitrogenous wastes, nitroglycerin, nitroglycerine

Origin of nitrogenase

First recorded in 1930–35; nitrogen + -ase
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Medicine definitions for nitrogenase

nitrogenase

[ nī-trŏj′ə-nās′, -nāz′, nī′trə-jə- ]

n.

An enzyme of certain bacteria that activates the conversion of nitrogen to ammonia.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Science definitions for nitrogenase

nitrogenase

[ nī-trŏj′ə-nās′, nī′trə-jə- ]

An enzyme of nitrogen-fixing bacteria that catalyzes the conversion of nitrogen to ammonia.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.