penicillinase

noun

pen·​i·​cil·​lin·​ase ˌpe-nə-ˈsi-lə-ˌnās How to pronounce penicillinase (audio)
-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 The first beta-lactamase, penicillinase, was discovered in 1940 ($, pdf). Veronique Greenwood, Discover Magazine, 8 Apr. 2011

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'penicillinase.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of penicillinase was in 1940

Dictionary Entries Near penicillinase

Cite this Entry

“Penicillinase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penicillinase. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

penicillinase

noun
pen·​i·​cil·​lin·​ase -ˈsil-ə-ˌnās, -ˌnāz How to pronounce penicillinase (audio)
: beta-lactamase
specifically : a beta-lactamase that hydrolyzes and inactivates penicillin

More from Merriam-Webster on penicillinase

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