proteolysis

[proh-tee-ol-uh-sis]

noun Biochemistry.

the breaking down of proteins into simpler compounds, as in digestion.

Origin of proteolysis

1875–80; proteo- (combining form representing protein) + -lysis

Related formspro·te·o·lyt·ic

[proh-tee-uh-lit-ik] /ˌproʊ ti əˈlɪt ɪk/, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for proteolytic

Historical Examples of proteolytic

This ferment, called by them galactase, on account of its origin in milk, is a proteolytic enzym of the tryptic type.
Outlines of Dairy Bacteriology, 8th edition
H. L. Russell
In the early history of physiology there was, quite naturally, little or no thought given to the nature of proteolytic changes.
On Digestive Proteolysis
R. H. Chittenden
Antipeptone, on the other hand, is incapable of further change by the proteolytic ferment trypsin.
On Digestive Proteolysis
R. H. Chittenden
One of our conceptions regarding pepsin-proteolysis is that acid is necessary for every step in the proteolytic process.
On Digestive Proteolysis
R. H. Chittenden
This fact affords additional evidence of the profound changes set in motion by this proteolytic enzyme.
On Digestive Proteolysis
R. H. Chittenden

British Dictionary definitions for proteolytic

proteolysis

noun

the hydrolysis of proteins into simpler compounds by the action of enzymes: occurs esp during digestion

Derived Formsproteolytic (ˌprəʊtɪəˈlɪtɪk), adjective

Word Origin for proteolysis

C19: from New Latin, from proteo- (from protein) + -lysis

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

proteolytic in Medicine

proteolytic

[prō′tē-ə-lĭt′ĭk]

adj.

Relating to, characterized by, or promoting proteolysis.

proteolysis

[prō′tē-ŏl′ĭ-sĭs]

n.

The hydrolytic breakdown of proteins into simpler, soluble substances, as occurs in digestion.