: a protease obtained from the latex of fig trees and used as an anthelmintic and protein digestive
Examples of ficin in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Enzymes from tropical plants such as bromelain (in pineapple), papain (in papaya) and ficin (in latex of fig tree) break down collagen and elastin [4].
—
Catherine Hu, Discover Magazine, 31 Mar. 2015
Cells in the plant produce latex sap that contains ficin.
—NOLA.com, 12 Aug. 2017
Catherine Hu, Discover Magazine, 31 Mar. 2015
Cells in the plant produce latex sap that contains ficin.
—NOLA.com, 12 Aug. 2017
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ficin.' 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
Latin ficus fig
First Known Use
1930, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near ficin
Cite this Entry
“Ficin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ficin. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023.
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Medical Definition
ficin
noun
fi·cin
ˈfīs-ᵊn 
: a protease that is obtained from the latex of fig trees and is used as an anthelmintic and protein digestive
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