kallikrein

noun

kal·​li·​kre·​in ˌka-lə-ˈkrē-ən How to pronounce kallikrein (audio) kə-ˈli-krē-ən How to pronounce kallikrein (audio)
: a hypotensive protease that liberates kinins from blood plasma proteins and is used therapeutically for vasodilation

Example Sentences

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, 10 Dec. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'kallikrein.' 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

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

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kallikrein was in 1930

Dictionary Entries Near kallikrein

Kallikak

kallikrein

Kallima

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Kallikrein.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kallikrein. Accessed 9 Jun. 2023.

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Medical Definition

kallikrein

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