ptyalin

American  

[tahy-uh-lin] / ˈtaɪ ə lɪn /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. an enzyme in the saliva that converts starch into dextrin and maltose.

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ptyalin British  

/ ˈtaɪəlɪn /

noun

1. biochem an amylase secreted in the saliva of man and other animals

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ptyalin Scientific  

/ tī′ə-lĭn /

1. An enzyme found in the saliva of humans and herbivorous animals that helps in the predigestion of starches. Ptyalin is a type of amylase.

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Etymology

Origin of ptyalin

1835–45; < Greek ptýal ( on ) spittle, saliva + -in ²

Example Sentences

With age, a digestive change definitely involving an enzyme occurs in the salivary glands : they secrete less ptyalin, an enzyme that converts starch into sugars.

From Time Magazine Archive

In the saliva is the ptyalin, which begins to digest the starch.

From Maintaining Health Formerly Health and Efficiency by Alsaker, R. L.

This action is due to the amylopsin,61 which is similar to ptyalin but is more vigorous.

From Physiology and Hygiene for Secondary Schools by Walters, Francis M.

The diastase of the malt has the same action on starch as the ptyalin in the saliva.

From The Chemistry of Food and Nutrition by Duncan, A. W.

It is alkaline and contains a ferment called ptyalin.

From The Chemistry of Food and Nutrition by Duncan, A. W.