papain

noun

pa·​pa·​in pə-ˈpā-ən  -ˈpī-ən 

: 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

Each textured pad is soaked in a mix of lactic acid (a gentle AHA) and enzyme exfoliants like papain (natural enzymes extracted from raw, unripe papaya) to dissolve dead skin, while the pad itself adds a bit of physical exfoliation. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 23 Mar. 2026

Papaya Papaya contains the proteolytic enzyme papain. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 18 Feb. 2026

Some protein powders may also contain ingredients that are unsafe for pregnant people, such as ginkgo or papain. —Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 22 Jan. 2026

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, 22 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from papaya

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for papain

• aeroplane
• appertain
• ascertain
• capitaine
• cassegrain
• cellophane
• chatelaine
• counterpane
• entertain
• gethsemane
• halothane
• hurricane

Kids Definition

papain

noun

pa·​pa·​in pə-ˈpā-ən  -ˈpī-ən 

: an enzyme in papaya juice used especially to make meat tender and in medicine

Medical Definition

papain

noun

pa·​pa·​in pə-ˈpā-ən  -ˈpī- 

: a crystallizable protease in the juice of the green fruit of the papaya obtained usually as a brownish powder and used chiefly as a tenderizer for meat and in medicine as a digestant and as a topical agent in the debridement of necrotic tissue