: a protease in the juice of unripe papaya that is used especially as a tenderizer for meat and in medicine (as in the topical debridement of necrotic tissue)
Examples of papain in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Papaya An enzyme found in papaya, papain, is often used in medicinal products for digestive disorders, skin rashes, and certain infections.29 Papain has been shown to help the digestive system by breaking down foods that are difficult to digest, preventing bloating and gas.30
13.
—
Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 7 May 2025
Regularly consuming papaya may offer antioxidant benefits beyond just the papain extract.22
5.
—Sarah Anzlovar, Ms, Verywell Health, 2 Apr. 2025
Kaolin, papain, tapioca starch, and magnesium carbonate are also featured to amplify these purifying effects.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 16 Dec. 2024
Infused with lip-loving ingredients such as squalane, sunflower oil, and papain enzyme, the formulation also moisturizes, soothes, and conceals the appearance of fine lines.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 24 Nov. 2024
My favorites are digestive enzymes containing the enzyme papain from papayas and bromelain from pineapple.
—Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 18 Dec. 2023
Best Cleanser Savings Revision Skincare's Papaya Enzyme Cleanser is a gentle formula made with papain, an enzyme derived from papayas that gently exfoliates, leaving the skin softer, smoother, and more vibrant.
—Angela Trakoshis, Allure, 30 Aug. 2023
Crafted with care, these treats are infused with enriching full spectrum CBD extract, as well as a blend of beneficial ingredients like turmeric, papain, bromelain, and catnip leaf powder.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 15 June 2023
It's made with papain and papaya enzymes that are loaded with antioxidants, which exfoliate your pores and help to tone and soften your skin without stripping away its natural oils.
—Shannon Ullman, Health, 5 May 2023
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.
Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 7 May 2025
Regularly consuming papaya may offer antioxidant benefits beyond just the papain extract.22
5.
—Sarah Anzlovar, Ms, Verywell Health, 2 Apr. 2025
Kaolin, papain, tapioca starch, and magnesium carbonate are also featured to amplify these purifying effects.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 16 Dec. 2024
Infused with lip-loving ingredients such as squalane, sunflower oil, and papain enzyme, the formulation also moisturizes, soothes, and conceals the appearance of fine lines.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 24 Nov. 2024
My favorites are digestive enzymes containing the enzyme papain from papayas and bromelain from pineapple.
—Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 18 Dec. 2023
Best Cleanser Savings Revision Skincare's Papaya Enzyme Cleanser is a gentle formula made with papain, an enzyme derived from papayas that gently exfoliates, leaving the skin softer, smoother, and more vibrant.
—Angela Trakoshis, Allure, 30 Aug. 2023
Crafted with care, these treats are infused with enriching full spectrum CBD extract, as well as a blend of beneficial ingredients like turmeric, papain, bromelain, and catnip leaf powder.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 15 June 2023
It's made with papain and papaya enzymes that are loaded with antioxidants, which exfoliate your pores and help to tone and soften your skin without stripping away its natural oils.
—Shannon Ullman, Health, 5 May 2023
Cite this Entry
“Papain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/papain. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Medical Definition
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share