penicillinase
noun
pen·i·cil·lin·ase
ˌpe-nə-ˈsi-lə-ˌnās 
-ˌnāz
: beta-lactamase
specifically
: a beta-lactamase that hydrolyzes and inactivates penicillin
Examples of penicillinase in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Penicillin is susceptible to degradation by a bacterial enzyme called penicillinase, which is normally used to remodel the cell wall when the bacteria are dividing.
—
Bill Sullivan, Discover Magazine, 3 Nov. 2021
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.
Bill Sullivan, Discover Magazine, 3 Nov. 2021
Cite this Entry
“Penicillinase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penicillinase. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
penicillinase
noun
pen·i·cil·lin·ase
-ˈsil-ə-ˌnās, -ˌnāz
: beta-lactamase
specifically
: a beta-lactamase that hydrolyzes and inactivates penicillin
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share