papain

[ puh-pey-in, -pahy-in ]

noun

1. Biochemistry. a proteolytic enzyme found in the fruit of the papaya tree, Carica papaya.
2. Pharmacology. a commercial preparation of this used as a meat tenderizer and in medicine as a digestant.

papain

/ -ˈpaɪɪn; pəˈpeɪɪn /

noun

1. a proteolytic enzyme occurring in the unripe fruit of the papaya tree, Carica papaya: used as a meat tenderizer and in medicine as an aid to protein digestion

Word History and Origins

Origin of papain¹

First recorded in 1885–90; papa(ya) + -in ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of papain¹

C19: from papaya

Example Sentences

Several writers claim good results with glycerole of papain, pricking it in in the same manner as in tattooing.

From Project Gutenberg

Various chemists have attempted to find papain present and to determine the digestive power of the tablets, but without success.

From Project Gutenberg

Its selling point, in the past at least, has been the alleged presence of papain.

From Project Gutenberg