oxidase

noun

ox·​i·​dase ˈäk-sə-ˌdās 

-ˌdāz

: any of various enzymes that catalyze oxidations

especially : one able to react directly with molecular oxygen

oxidasic

ˌäk-sə-ˈdā-sik 

-zik

adjective

Examples of oxidase in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Bananas contain polyphenol oxidase (PPO), an enzyme that can break down polyphenols, which are beneficial for gut, heart and brain health, according to Patrick, who is based in San Diego. — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026

This gene encodes a protein called OXO, short for oxalate oxidase, which breaks down oxalic acid, the fungus’s key weapon for invading and killing plant tissues. — Steve Strauss, The Conversation, 22 July 2026

The culprit is an enzyme called polyphenol oxidase, or PPO, which is abundant in bananas. — Allison Palmer updated June 13, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2026

The mechanism is an enzyme called polyphenol oxidase, or PPO, abundant in bananas, which destroys flavanols both during blending and inside the stomach. — Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 9 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing oxidase

• cytochrome oxidase
• monoamine oxidase

Rhymes for oxidase

• aldolase
• alleyways
• amylase
• anaphase
• anhydrase
• anyways
• arginase
• cabarets
• carriageways
• castaways
• catalase
• cellulase

Medical Definition

oxidase

noun

ox·​i·​dase ˈäk-sə-ˌdās, -ˌdāz 

: any of various enzymes that catalyze oxidations

especially : one able to react directly with molecular oxygen