neuraminidase

noun

neur·​amin·​i·​dase ˌnu̇r-ə-ˈmi-nə-ˌdās 

ˌnyu̇r-,

-ˌdāz

: a hydrolytic enzyme that occurs on the surface of the pneumococcus, influenza-causing viruses, and some paramyxoviruses as an antigen and that splits mucoproteins by breaking a glucoside link

Examples of neuraminidase in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The scientists created a tiny molecule that reacts only when the flu virus enzyme, called neuraminidase, is present. —Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2025

The initial version of the sensor is based on a substrate of the influenza virus glycoprotein called neuraminidase, which flu viruses use to help infect the host’s cells. —Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Oct. 2025

In the sensor, the neuraminidase is bound to molecules of a phenolic compound called thymol, which is found in the herb thyme. —New Atlas, 1 Oct. 2025

In this case, the virus acquired its neuraminidase segment from a different influenza lineage circulating in North American birds. —John Drake, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

neuraminic acid, an amino acid + -ide + -ase

First Known Use

1957, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for neuraminidase

• decarboxylase
• exonuclease
• galactosidase
• glucuronidase
• immunoassays
• nucleotidase
• penicillinase
• phosphodiesterase
• topoisomerase
• ablaze
• airways
• allays

Medical Definition

neuraminidase

noun

neur·​amin·​i·​dase ˌn(y)u̇r-ə-ˈmin-ə-ˌdās, -ˌdāz 

: a hydrolytic enzyme that occurs on the surface of the pneumococcus, the orthomyxoviruses, and some paramyxoviruses and that cleaves terminal acetylated neuraminic acids from sugar residues (as in glycoproteins and mucoproteins)