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lipase

noun

li·​pase ˈlī-ˌpās How to pronounce lipase (audio) ˈli- How to pronounce lipase (audio)
-ˌpāz
: an enzyme that hydrolyzes glycerides

Examples of lipase 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.
Governments and engineers must build local capacity for key inputs (for example, yeast or enzymatic factories to make nucleotides, domestic lipase production, or even alternate capping chemistries) to make regional hubs self-sufficient. Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 19 Nov. 2025 In the blood, a key enzyme called lipoprotein lipase (LPL) sits on blood vessel walls and breaks down triglycerides so tissues can use or store the fat. New Atlas, 10 Nov. 2025 The proprietary enzyme blend, with alpha-galactosidase, amylase, lipase, lactase, and bromelin can help your body break down lactose, gluten, and fats. Brianna Peters, Vogue, 30 June 2025 The duck or goose digests all that extra food using, among other things, enzymes called lipases that act like pairs of molecular scissors. Ari Daniel, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2025 For example, lipase helps break down fats, protease targets proteins, and lactase breaks down the naturally occurring sugar called lactose in dairy products. Heather Sandison, Contributor, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2025 In particular, look for enzyme cleaners that contain lipase, an enzyme that breaks down fats and oils including sebum. Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Jan. 2025 High lipase levels can be a sign of a problem with the pancreas. Sydney Lake, Fortune Europe, 12 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lipase was in 1897

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Cite this Entry

“Lipase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lipase. Accessed 3 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

lipase

noun
li·​pase ˈlī-ˌpās How to pronounce lipase (audio)
-ˌpāz
: an enzyme that functions especially in the breakdown or digestion of fats

Medical Definition

lipase

noun
li·​pase ˈlip-ˌās How to pronounce lipase (audio) ˈlīp- How to pronounce lipase (audio)
-ˌāz
: an enzyme (as one secreted by the pancreas) that catalyzes the breakdown of fats and lipoproteins usually into fatty acids and glycerol

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