Michaelis constant

noun

Mi·​chae·​lis constant mī-ˈkā-ləs- How to pronounce Michaelis constant (audio)
mə-
: a constant that is a measure of the kinetics of an enzyme reaction and that is equivalent to the concentration of substrate at which the reaction takes place at one half its maximum rate

Word History

Etymology

Leonor Michaelis †1949 American biochemist

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Michaelis constant was in 1930

Dictionary Entries Near Michaelis constant

Cite this Entry

“Michaelis constant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Michaelis%20constant. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.

Medical Definition

Michaelis constant

noun
Mi·​chae·​lis constant mī-ˈkā-ləs-, mə- How to pronounce Michaelis constant (audio)
: a constant that is a measure of the kinetics of an enzyme reaction and that is equivalent to the concentration of substrate at which the reaction takes place at one half its maximum rate
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