ficin

noun

fi·​cin ˈfī-sᵊn How to pronounce ficin (audio)
: a protease obtained from the latex of fig trees and used as an anthelmintic and protein digestive

Examples of ficin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Enzymes from tropical plants such as bromelain (in pineapple), papain (in papaya) and ficin (in latex of fig tree) break down collagen and elastin [4]. Catherine Hu, Discover Magazine, 31 Mar. 2015 Cells in the plant produce latex sap that contains ficin. NOLA.com, 12 Aug. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ficin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin ficus fig

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ficin was in 1930

Dictionary Entries Near ficin

Cite this Entry

“Ficin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ficin. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

ficin

noun
fi·​cin ˈfīs-ᵊn How to pronounce ficin (audio)
: a protease that is obtained from the latex of fig trees and is used as an anthelmintic and protein digestive
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