elastase

noun

elas·​tase i-ˈla-ˌstās How to pronounce elastase (audio)
-ˌstāz
: an enzyme especially of pancreatic juice that digests elastin

Examples of elastase in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Inadequate amounts of elastase and other pancreatic enzymes allow fats and proteins to pass through the small intestine intact and unabsorbed. New York Times, 14 Apr. 2022 More than 10 years ago, such disease links prompted some companies to begin to develop compounds that inhibit neutrophil elastase. Mitch Leslie, Science | AAAS, 5 Mar. 2020 Researchers suspect these vagrant neutrophils release neutrophil elastase and other molecules at the wrong spots, including the lungs, causing the tissue damage seen in COPD. Mitch Leslie, Science | AAAS, 5 Mar. 2020 Hibiscus inhibits the production of elastase, which breaks down elastin—a critical protein to keeping your skin bouncy and fresh. Braelyn Wood, Health.com, 12 Nov. 2019

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

Word History

Etymology

elastin + -ase

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of elastase was in 1949

Dictionary Entries Near elastase

Cite this Entry

“Elastase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elastase. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.

Medical Definition

elastase

noun
: an enzyme especially of pancreatic juice that digests elastin

More from Merriam-Webster on elastase

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