pepsin


pep·sin

noun \ˈpep-sən\

Definition of PEPSIN

1
: a protease of the stomach that breaks down most proteins to polypeptides
2
: a preparation containing pepsin that is obtained from the stomach especially of the hog and is used especially as a digestive aid

Origin of PEPSIN

German, from Greek pepsis digestion, from pessein
First Known Use: circa 1844

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: pepsiniferous
Previous Word in the Dictionary: pep rally
All Words Near: pepsin

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up pepsin? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Test Your Vocabulary

Take Our 10-Question Quiz

Name That Thing

Take our visual vocab quiz

Test Your Knowledge »

True or False?

A quick quiz about stuff worth knowing

Take It Now »

Join Us on FB & Twitter

Get the Word of the Day and More

Facebook | Twitter

Get Our Free Apps

Voice Search, Favorites,
Word of the Day, and More

iPhone | iPad | Android | More