phosphodiesterase

noun

phos·​pho·​di·​es·​ter·​ase ˌfäs-(ˌ)fō-dī-ˈe-stə-ˌrās How to pronounce phosphodiesterase (audio)
-ˌrāz
: a phosphatase (as from snake venom) that acts on diesters (such as some nucleotides) to hydrolyze only one of the two ester groups

Examples of phosphodiesterase in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This compound has been found to inhibit an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which is similar to how prescription medications like Viagra work. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 13 Oct. 2023 Medications Medications such as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra), are often prescribed to treat ED. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 7 Mar. 2023 The research was funded by Cancer Research UK and the Medical Research Council, which found that phosphodiesterase type 5, or PDE5 inhibitors, can help shrink tumors in the esophagus. Joshua Hawkins, BGR, 6 Oct. 2022 Tadalafil, the generic name for Cialis, is part of a family of drugs called phosphodiesterase (PDE-5) inhibitors. Chris Smith, BGR, 1 Oct. 2022 To do so, the active ingredient in the drug inhibits an enzyme called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) found in blood vessel walls. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 7 Feb. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'phosphodiesterase.' 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

1932, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of phosphodiesterase was in 1932

Dictionary Entries Near phosphodiesterase

Cite this Entry

“Phosphodiesterase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phosphodiesterase. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

phosphodiesterase

noun
phos·​pho·​di·​es·​ter·​ase -dī-ˈes-tə-ˌrās, -ˌrāz How to pronounce phosphodiesterase (audio)
: a phosphatase (as from snake venom) that acts on diesters (as some nucleotides) to hydrolyze only one of the two ester groups
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