neuraminidase

noun

neur·​amin·​i·​dase ˌnu̇r-ə-ˈmi-nə-ˌdās How to pronounce neuraminidase (audio)
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
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.
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 See All Example Sentences for neuraminidase

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1957, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of neuraminidase was in 1957

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Cite this Entry

“Neuraminidase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neuraminidase. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

Medical Definition

neuraminidase

noun
neur·​amin·​i·​dase ˌn(y)u̇r-ə-ˈmin-ə-ˌdās, -ˌdāz How to pronounce neuraminidase (audio)
: 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)

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