alkaline phosphatase

noun

: any of the phosphatases that are optimally active in alkaline medium and occur in especially high concentrations in bone, the liver, the kidneys, and the placenta

Examples of alkaline phosphatase in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Strensiq replaces a deficient enzyme, alkaline phosphatase, and allows the bones to mineralize. New York Times, 25 Aug. 2019 So Halámek and his team focused on levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), an enzyme found in blood, to determine age. National Geographic, 29 June 2016

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

Word History

First Known Use

1935, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alkaline phosphatase was in 1935

Dictionary Entries Near alkaline phosphatase

Cite this Entry

“Alkaline phosphatase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alkaline%20phosphatase. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

alkaline phosphatase

noun
: any of the phosphatases that are enzymes active chiefly in alkaline medium and occur in especially high concentrations in bone, the liver, the kidneys, and the placenta
Normally, blood levels of alkaline phosphatase, which are a measure of bone cell growth and bone rebuilding, begin declining with age and remain very low throughout old age.Sally Squires, The Washington Post

Note: A test measuring the level of alkaline phosphatase in the blood serum is an important diagnostic indicator for diseases especially of the bone, liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts.

compare acid phosphatase

More from Merriam-Webster on alkaline phosphatase

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!