Dictionary.com

pepsin

or pep·sine

[ pep-sin ]
/ ˈpɛp sɪn /

noun Biochemistry.

an enzyme, produced in the stomach, that in the presence of hydrochloric acid splits proteins into proteoses and peptones.
a commercial form of this substance, obtained from the stomachs of hogs, used as a digestive, as a ferment in the manufacture of cheese, etc.

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Origin of pepsin

1835–45; <Greek péps(is) digestion (pep-, base of péptein to digest + -sis-sis) + -in2

Words nearby pepsin

pepperwort, peppery, pep pill, peppy, pep rally, pepsin, pepsin A, pepsinate, pepsinogen, pep someone up, peptalk
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

Example sentences from the Web for pepsin

British Dictionary definitions for pepsin

pepsin

pepsine

/ (ˈpɛpsɪn) /

noun

a proteolytic enzyme produced in the stomach in the inactive form pepsinogen, which, when activated by acid, splits proteins into peptones

Word Origin for pepsin

C19: via German from Greek pepsis, from peptein to digest
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for pepsin

pepsin

n.

Any of various digestive enzymes found in gastric juice that catalyze the hydrolysis of proteins to peptides.
A substance containing pepsin, obtained from the stomachs of hogs and calves and used as a digestive aid.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Scientific definitions for pepsin

pepsin
[ pĕp′sĭn ]

Any of various digestive enzymes found in vertebrate animals that catalyze the hydrolysis of proteins to peptides.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.