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ptyalin
[ tahy-uh-lin ]
/ ˈtaɪ ə lɪn /
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noun Biochemistry.
an enzyme in the saliva that converts starch into dextrin and maltose.
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Also called salivary amylase.
Origin of ptyalin
Words nearby ptyalin
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use ptyalin in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for ptyalin
ptyalin
/ (ˈtaɪəlɪn) /
noun
biochem an amylase secreted in the saliva of man and other animals
Word Origin for ptyalin
C19: from Greek ptualon saliva, from ptuein to spit
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Scientific definitions for ptyalin
ptyalin
[ tī′ə-lÄn ]
An enzyme found in the saliva of humans and herbivorous animals that helps in the predigestion of starches. Ptyalin is a type of amylase.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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