calmodulin

noun

cal·​mod·​u·​lin (ˌ)kal-ˈmä-jə-lin How to pronounce calmodulin (audio)
-dyu̇-lin
: a calcium-binding protein that mediates cellular metabolic processes (such as the contraction of muscle fibers) by regulating the activity of calcium-dependent enzymes

Examples of calmodulin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The disorder, an abbreviation for calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase 2, impacts mobility and brain function. Brenton Blanchet, Peoplemag, 26 June 2023 This seemed significant: Other calmodulin variants were associated with severe cardiac disorders and sudden death in infancy. Oscar Schwartz, Wired, 9 Dec. 2021 Cunningham and her postdoc at the time, Christine Kirvan, found that the antibodies literally bind to human neurons, activating an enzyme called calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein (CaM) kinase II. Pamela Weintraub, Discover Magazine, 3 Jan. 2019

Word History

Etymology

calcium + modulate + -in entry 1

First Known Use

1978, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of calmodulin was in 1978

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Cite this Entry

“Calmodulin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calmodulin. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

calmodulin

noun
cal·​mod·​u·​lin ˌkal-ˈmäj-ə-lən How to pronounce calmodulin (audio)
: a calcium-binding protein that mediates cellular metabolic processes (as muscle-fiber contraction) by regulating the activity of specific calcium-dependent enzymes
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