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kallikrein

noun
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kal·​li·​kre·​in | \ ˌka-lə-ˈkrē-ən How to pronounce kallikrein (audio) , kə-ˈli-krē-ən How to pronounce kallikrein (audio) \

Definition of kallikrein

: a hypotensive protease that liberates kinins from blood plasma proteins and is used therapeutically for vasodilation

Examples of kallikrein in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web However, the process of harvesting these therapeutically useful molecules from donor blood can yield preparations contaminated with another, potentially dangerous blood protein known as pre-kallikrein activator. — Scientific American, "The Potential Hazards Of Personalized Medicines," 10 Dec. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'kallikrein.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of kallikrein

1930, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for kallikrein

German, from Greek kallikreas sweetbread, pancreas, from kalli- beautiful (from kallos beauty) + kreas flesh — more at raw

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The first known use of kallikrein was in 1930

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Cite this Entry

“Kallikrein.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kallikrein. Accessed 17 Jan. 2021.

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More Definitions for kallikrein

kallikrein

noun
kal·​li·​kre·​in | \ ˌkal-ə-ˈkrē-ən How to pronounce kallikrein (audio) , kə-ˈlik-rē-ən How to pronounce kallikrein (audio) \

Medical Definition of kallikrein

: a hypotensive protease that liberates kinins from blood plasma proteins and is used therapeutically for vasodilation

More from Merriam-Webster on kallikrein

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about kallikrein

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