ptyalin

noun

pty·a·lin ˈtī-ə-lən

: an amylase found in the saliva of many animals that converts starch into sugar

Etymology

Greek ptyalon saliva, from ptyein to spit — more at spew

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of ptyalin was in 1833

See more words from the same year

Style

“Ptyalin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ptyalin. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Copy Citation

ptyalin

noun

pty·a·lin ˈtī-ə-lən

: an enzyme found in the saliva of many animals that helps change starch into sugar

ptyalin

noun

pty·a·lin ˈtī-ə-lən

: an amylase found in the saliva of many animals that converts starch into sugar

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